Gen Ann Harris ’45 with Bishop Roger J. Foys, D.D., at the President’s Society Recognition Dinner in 2012.

Dear Thomas More College Community,

It is with great sadness that I share the news of the death of one of Thomas More College’s most cherished alumna, Genevieve Ann “Gen Ann” Harris, Class of ’45. Gen Ann passed away Saturday, April 15, 2017 at Carmel Manor in Fort Thomas.

Gen Ann was born March 6, 1924 in Covington to the late Genevieve Sheridan Harris and William Harris. A graduate of LaSalette Academy, Gen Ann studied in Hawaii, Canada, and France; and, she received a Bachelor of Arts from Villa Madonna (now Thomas More) College. She worked as a columnist for the Kentucky Times-Star where she interviewed Eleanor Roosevelt on her visit to northern Kentucky. Gen Ann obtained a Master of Education from Xavier University, and enjoyed a long teaching career at Western Hills High School where she taught English, Spanish, and French and was also the head of the foreign language department.

A lifelong parishioner of the Cathedral Basilica of the Assumption, Gen Ann enjoyed spending time with her family and friends and had a generous spirit. She was a longtime volunteer at the Cathedral and at Travelers Aid International, where she taught English as a second language.

Oil painting of floral arrangement by Gen Ann Harris.

Gen Ann was a devoted advocate of Thomas More College and was the College’s longest consecutive donor. In 1998, Gen Ann received the TMC Alumni Association Award for “Thomas More College Service,” which is presented to an alumnus or friend of the College who has provided continued service to the College. Later, in September 2012, Gen Ann was honored for her longstanding commitment to TMC. Recognizing Gen Ann’s lifetime of giving, the College desired to acknowledge the many other alumni and friends who have given consecutively, year after year, and established the Gen Ann Harris Society in her honor.

Gen Ann had a lifelong love of art and travel. She enjoyed studying art in many forms and was herself a talented artist, creating beautiful sculptures, paintings, jewelry, and clothing. She continued to create artwork and learn different art mediums until late in her life. Gen Ann was fortunate to be able to travel the world, visiting Europe, Russia, Egypt and Panama, to name a few of her journeys. She especially loved Paris where she enjoyed the works of the great impressionist artists.

Gen Ann is survived by many family and friends who adore her and will cherish her memory. The Most Reverend Roger J. Foys, D.D., performed her Mass of Christian Burial on Saturday, April 22 and a public reception celebrating Gen Ann’s life and legacy was held in Steigerwald Hall on the campus of her beloved Thomas More College. Gen Ann was a vibrant woman who proudly professed her allegiance to Thomas More College, and it is in that spirit and in her honor that I say, “God bless, Gen Ann, and Go Saints!”

David A. Armstrong, J.D.