Joyce Harris

Joyce Arline (Ernst) Harris, 90, passed away peacefully on May 6, 2022, surrounded by her family. Born to Margaret Emelyn (Young) & Harvey Ernst in Mader’s Cove, Nova Scotia, Joyce spent much of her youth living on Nova Scotia’s south shore and always felt “at home” when she was on the coast or near the water. She married the love of her life, Paul Harris (from Greenwich, Nova Scotia) in June of 1955 and they celebrated 67 years of marriage. Married life began in Maryland and while Paul worked on his PhD, Joyce worked on her PhT (putting hubby through) as an Optometrist Assistant in DC. They moved to Orono in 1959 and Joyce worked full-time raising her family and volunteering in the community. While raising three daughters in Orono, Joyce volunteered in the schools, library and as a Girl Scout Leader. Joyce loved to cook, and her chocolate no-bake cookies were a favorite of kids in the neighborhood.
Joyce gave the gift of time to many organizations in the community. She served as the scheduler for Orono’s volunteer rescue squad and was an active member of the Orono Health Association, serving on the Board of Directors and as Treasurer. As a breast cancer survivor, she dedicated many years as a Reach to Recovery volunteer guiding others through their breast cancer recovery. Joyce & Paul volunteered as ushers at the Collins Center for the Arts for 34 years. She and her husband are also Lifetime members of the Orono Land Trust and members of Friends of Acadia.
At a young age, she found joy in singing and had a lovely soprano voice. Over seven decades she shared her vocal gifts performing with a dance band, as a church soloist, in church choirs and with the University Oratorio Society. She nurtured a love of music in her family which endures today. Joyce was an active member of the Church of Universal Fellowship where she served as a Deacon, Trustee, on the Property Committee, Fellowship Circle & Alliance.
Joyce & Paul were passionate about travel. While raising their family many road trips were made to Nova Scotia along with multiple camping trips across the U.S. and Canada. A favorite local destination was Acadia National Park for picnics, hikes, scenic views and camping. International travel provided many highlight memories. Excursions involved travel with close friends and with Joyce’s sisters. Joyce enjoyed twenty-eight organized trips and traveled to six continents. European river cruises were a favorite. She passed along her love of family & travel to her daughters and their families. She enjoyed playing card games which highlighted her fun-loving competitive spirit. She was a great letter writer and nurtured lifelong friendships. She captured activities with friends and family on camera and found joy in creating photo albums (of which she had 77) to document life’s memories.
She is survived by her husband Paul; three daughters, Shelley Gilman of Old Town, Brenda Stevenson & husband Jeff of Orono, Debra Hammer & husband Russ of Grantsburg, WI; grandchildren Elizabeth, Ryan, Megan, Chris, Mikala; great-granddaughters Charlie Mae & Sylvie; sisters Florence Pearsall & partner Roger Rowland of Lewiston, NY, Rosalea Ernst of St. Catharines, Ontario and five nephews. She was predeceased by infant twin sons and son-in-law Matthew Gilman.
A celebration of life will be held 1pm, Saturday, May 28, 2022 at the Church of Universal Fellowship, 82 Main Street, Orono. Interment will be at Riverside Cemetery, Orono. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Church of Universal Fellowship, 82 Main St. Orono, ME 04473. Condolences to the family may be expressed at BrookingsSmith.com.