Virginia R. Harris

AUBURN | Virginia R. Harris, 90, of Auburn, passed away peacefully in the comfort of her daughter’s home, Thursday afternoon, March 7, 2019.

She was a life resident of Auburn, the daughter of the late Carmen and Rachel Calarco Capel. “Gigi,” as she was affectionately known was a very devout Catholic and longtime communicant of Holy Family Church. She previously had been employed by the former Button Shop and Firth Carpet Company in Auburn for several years. Virginia loved to dance and shook up the dance floor well into her eighties. She also was a very talented artist, with a specialty in pastels, having won numerous awards. Gigi raised and cared for four successful children on her own. She was most proud of her family and will be sadly missed by all of them. If Gigi had one downfall it was her love for desserts, especially chocolate. It was the true secret to be able to live to almost 91. Her beautiful smile and sense of humor will be deeply missed but always treasured and never forgotten by all who were able to know this special woman.

She is survived by her loving children: daughters, Georgina (Joe) Casbarro, of Naples, Fla., Cheryl (Mike) Hoey, of Auburn, and Denise Harris, of Florida; eight grandchildren, Corey (Maryam) Casbarro, Kalyn (Ryan) Dovey, Ambra (Frank) Cornelius, Adrienne (John) Hales, Cian (Jen) Hoey, Addison Friedman, Josh and Griffin Harris ,  nine great-grandchildren; daughter-in-law, Christine Harris; as well as several other relatives.

In addition to her parents, Virginia was predeceased by her sister, Rosie; special companion, John Whalen, and recently by her son, Jeffrey Harris.

Calling hours will be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. this Monday morning at the Pettigrass Funeral Home, 196 Genesee St., Auburn. Mass will follow at 1:30 p.m. Monday in Holy Family Church, North Street, Auburn. Burial will be in St. Joseph’s Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her memory to Hospice of CNY, 1130 Corporate Drive, Auburn, NY 13021.

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