Obituary of Rosa Marie Harris

Rosa Marie Harris

July 25, 1924 – August 14, 2025

Rosa “Gigi” Marie Harris, 101, passed away peacefully in bed with her grandson, Jason Harris, and his wife, Brenda Harris, by her side, holding her hand. Born on July 25, 1924, in Flint, Michigan, Gigi was the daughter of the late Albert and Lydia Harris, and sister to the late Clara Mae, Francis, Esther, Shirley, Dorothy, Lucious, James, and Johnny Harris. 

The name Gigi was given to Rosa after the birth of her first great-grandchild, and towards the end of her life, that was the name she wanted everyone to call her by. Some might even say demanded it. Gigi lived a long, beautiful life in good health, surrounded by those who loved and admired her strength, sass, and expressions such as, “It’s just another day,” and, “There’s no secret to getting old - just move it or lose it.” And that’s exactly what Gigi did. In her spare time, she enjoyed decorating her apartment at Pine View, where she lived for 18 years, baking cookies for her fellow residents, and keeping her hands busy with crocheting and sewing. 

Gigi was generous, as well. She enjoyed gifting her family members with the objects she had collected through the years, such as photographs, knick-knacks, clothing, jewelry, and recipe books. Nothing was more important to her than making sure those around her were taken care of. The gifts her family members have are both a reflection of her hard work and love. 

In her youth, Gigi was engaged to Latimer “Laddie” DuFort, who died overseas in 1943 while serving in the Army, and was the father of her son, Thomas Harris. One of her favorite things to do was to dance, especially the polka, and spend time with her siblings. Over her long life, she worked as a waitress, a colorist at Whipple’s Studio, and a house cleaner. 

Gigi took pride in her clean way of living. Her goal was to make it to her 101st birthday, even though it was “Just another day,” and she did so with a smile on her face while eating the pie her grandson, Jason, baked for her from an old recipe, which she made sure to tell him needed a little work. 

Even toward the end, Gigi still had it, making jokes with her family and winking when she was being mischievous. Her memory will live on through her son, Tom Harris (Ava Harris); her grandchildren, Jason Harris (Brenda Harris), Jon Harris (Samantha Harris), and Jared Harris (Rachel Harris); and her great-grandchildren, Natalie and Elliot Harris. 

There will be no memorial service. Her family will be celebrating her life with a private gathering.  To sign online guestbook, visit www.cremationsocietymidmi.com  Arrangements made with the Cremation Society of Mid Michigan.