Lorea Harris, 70, of Rolling Prairie, Indiana, passed away Thursday, May 16th, 2024 at Northwest Health in La Porte, IN.
She was born November 15th, 1953 in La Porte, Indiana, the daughter of James Heise and Phyllis (Purkal) Heise.
A lifetime resident of the area, Lorea graduated from New Prairie High School in 1972, went on to Memorial School of Nursing, Ball State for her Bachelors and finally Valparaiso University, where she earned her Master’s in Nursing and became a Nurse Practitioner. On August 10th, 1974, in LaPorte, IN, she married the love of her life James Thomas Harris, who preceded her in death on December 15th, 2013. Her career, which spanned over 40 years, began at La Porte Hospital, where she worked in Labor and Delivery, wound care, and was the coordinator for Infection control. She then went to Beacon Medical on I Street as a Family Nurse Practitioner and finally went to part-time for Harbor Light Hospice, where she retired. Lorea also found time to teach nursing at PNC, while taking care of her home and her family. She loved making quilts by hand, crocheting, and knitting, and had an extensive Barbie collection. She had the heart of a caregiver and what she considered the most precious was her family, especially her beloved grandchildren. She will be greatly missed by all.
Lorea is survived by her son, Matthew Thomas Harris of Rolling Prairie, IN; two daughters, Ann Marie (Ryan) Gorski of Oro Valley, AZ, Becky (Mark) Ryan of Hanna, IN; two brothers, Tom (Gayle) Heise of La Porte, IN, Jim (Nupur Narain) Heise of Guilford, CT; brother-in-law, Mike (Deb) Harris of Rolling Prairie, IN; six grandchildren, Remy Gorski, Jenna Gorski, Brandon Gorski, Rozilyn Gorski, Nolan Ryan, Owen Ryan, and several nieces and nephews.
Lorea was preceded in death by her parents and husband, James.
Arrangements are being entrusted to Haverstock Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 602 Maple Ave., La Porte, IN where the family will receive friends for a visitation on Tuesday, May 21st, 2024 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. and Wednesday, May 22nd, 2024 from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. A funeral service will be held at the funeral home on Wednesday, May 22nd, 2024 at 11 a.m. with Pastor JoEllyn Chadwick, officiating. Cremation will take place.
Memorial contributions may be made in Lorea's name to your local American Red Cross at www.redcross.org.
Online condolences may be made at www.haverstockfuneralhome.com.
