Barbara Ann Harris (née Kobsik), age 89, passed away peacefully in her sleep on December 11, 2025.

Barbara was born in Ambridge and grew up in Baden, Pennsylvania. She attended St. Francis College of Nursing and devoted many years of her life to caring for others as a registered nurse, a career that reflected her steadiness and strength.

After the passing of her husband, Stephen Lee Harris, Barbara moved with her family to Charlotte, where she raised her children and continued to build a life rich in family and friendships.

A woman of many talents, Barbara was an accomplished pianist and found great joy in music. She loved singing in the choir at St. Vincent and St. Peter Catholic Churches, and her faith remained a constant source of comfort and guidance throughout her life. A devout Catholic, she lived her faith quietly but fully.

Barbara was an avid and gifted gardener. Those who knew her well will always remember her backyard which she transformed into a retreat filled with winding pathways, ponds, and flourishing plants. She was also a devoted animal lover who strongly believed that “a house is not a home without a dog.”

She cherished trips to the beach, sharing her love of beachcombing with her children, nieces and nephews, often waking them up before dawn to find the best bounty. In her final week of life, Barbara took one last trip to the beach with family, where she expressed her joy at being together and deep gratitude for her friends and the love that she felt always surrounding her.

Barbara was an exceptional grandmother and aunt, known for her sharp wit, quick humor, and playful verbal sparring with her grandchildren—giving it just as well as she took it. She never shied away from a bit of dark humor and always enjoyed a game of trivia, especially Jeopardy. Even in her final days, she proudly aced a game of family trivia, proving that, although the answers may have taken a little longer, she still had it.

Barbara was preceded in death by her parents, Fred and Ann Kobsik, and her beloved husband, Lee.

Barbara is survived by her steadfast brother, Fred, and his wife, Donna; her children, Scott and Patricia; her grandchildren, DeAnn, Andrew, and Erin; her nieces and nephews, Christine, Lori, Rick, and Mary; many great-nieces and nephews and her close friends Diane, Karen, Lisa, and the rest of the cherished “old gang” from Mapleridge.

Barbara Ann Harris will be remembered for her intelligence, humor, faith, and the love she had for her family, friends, and furry companions. Her life was one well lived, and she will be dearly missed.

“Well done, good and faithful servant.”

— Matthew 25:21