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Genevieve "Nanny"
Harris
d. May 29, 2026
Genevieve "Nanny" Harris, a cherished matriarch and beloved friend, passed away peacefully on May 29, 2026, in Wilton, Connecticut, at the remarkable age of 100. Born on August 11, 1925, in New York City, Genevieve lived a century filled with love, laughter, and unforgettable memories.
Genevieve grew up in New York City during the Great Depression and came of age during World War II. She attended George Washington High School in Inwood, NY, where she began forming the foundation of her lifelong friendships. Her early years were marked by resilience and creativity—she often recounted stories of drawing stocking seams on her legs when materials were scarce during the war effort. A natural storyteller with a remarkable memory, she delighted those around her with tales from her youth, including roller-skating down Fifth Avenue, watching movies at the Paramount Theatre, seeking autographs from her heroes, and even sharing her peanut butter and jelly sandwich with Frank Sinatra.
One of Genevieve's neighborhood heroes was Vincent Harris, a confident young man who would later become the love of her life. After Vincent returned from serving as a Naval Aviator in World War II, the two married and began their life together in Syracuse, New York. Their nearly 50-year marriage was a testament to enduring love and partnership until Vincent's passing in 1996. Together, they raised a large and loving family while moving through several cities—Syracuse, Cleveland, Allentown, Stony Brook—and ultimately settling in Wilton, Connecticut.
Genevieve's life revolved around her family and extended family and friends. She was the devoted mother of Virginia Coman of Garden City, NY (husband Stephen Geisler), Theresa Harris of Ridgefield, CT, Christina Harris of New York, NY, James Harris of Fairfield, CT (Lyn), and Christopher Harris of Weston, CT (Lisa). Her legacy extends to her grandchildren: Gavin Coman (Michal), Erin Leitzel (Richard), Meredith Coman, Alexandra Paciotti (Nazzareno), Vincent Harris (Angelina), Emily Harris, Patrick Harris, Thomas Harris (Dannia), Lindsey Harris, Lauren Harris, and William Harris; as well as her great-grandchildren: Katherine Coman, Ashlynn Coman, Conor Coman, Christopher Paciotti, Delia Paciotti, and Jack Paciotti.
Her home was always filled with warmth and joy. Genevieve was famous for her homemade mac & cheese and for hosting gatherings by the pool that she modestly described as "nothing fancy" but were always rich with fun and cherished memories. She loved gardening and bird watching and found immense joy in traveling with her family to places like Florida and Hawaii. A lifelong Yankees fan and an enthusiastic supporter of Syracuse Orange sports teams alongside Vincent, Genevieve's passions brought people together.
Genevieve's ability to connect with others extended beyond her immediate family. She maintained lifelong friendships that spanned generations—becoming not only a friend to her peers but also to their children. Her kindness and generosity left an indelible mark on everyone who had the privilege of knowing her.
As she reunites with Vincent once more, we imagine them strolling together to the tune of "Summer Wind," a song that encapsulates their enduring love story:
"All summer long we sang a song
And then we strolled that golden sand
Two sweethearts
And the summer wind."
Genevieve's memory will forever be treasured by those who knew her. May her remarkable life continue to inspire love and devotion among all whose lives she touched. In celebration and remembrance, all are welcome to join the family Tuesday, June 2nd, 2026 at 9AM, at Bouton Funeral Home, 31 W Church St., Wilton. Followed by a mass at 10:15AM at Our Lady of Fatima Church, 229 Danbury Rd, Wilton, and burial at Hillside Cemetery, 165 Ridgefield Rd, Wilton.
Donations can be made in her memory to the Connecticut Audubon Society
www.ctaudubon.org
Tuesday
Bouton Funeral Home
Starts at 9:00 am
Tuesday
Our Lady of Fatima Church
Starts at 10:15 am
Tuesday
Hillside Cemetery
Starts at 11:30 am
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