Erin Harrison

Date of Birth

Nov 22,1985

Date of Death

Jan 15,2004

Erin was born November 22, 1985, in Park Ridge, IL, the daughter of Edwin and Kate (McGinness) Harrison. She came into this world at Lutheran General Hospital, a high-risk "miracle baby", wide-eyed and ready to greet the anxious, joyous throng that had so long awaited her arrival. CHILDHOOD / EDUCATIONShe grew up in Aurora where she would both begin and end her life at the New England Congregational Church. There she attended nursery school, was confirmed and participated in youth activities and worship throughout her life. Her formal education began at Hall Elementary School, Aurora, then to Jefferson Middle Schooland on to West Aurora High School where Erin was a senior. She was involved in Girl Scouting from the first grade and throughout her education was an excellent student loved by peers and teachers alike. She played Clarinet in the Marching Band and enjoyed Badminton at West High. After school hours were full of many things but she especially enjoyed working at the Sci-Tech Museum where children and colleagues were equally fond of her. She was active at New England Congregational Church and participated in the Bridger Project on the Cheyenne River Reservation. Erin had a gift with children and was planning to study elementary education at Northern Illinois University next fall. Passionate about life and compassionate toward people of every race and creed, Erin fiercely defended everyone’s right to pursue life and happiness. She was outgoing, adventurous and full of both challenge and charm. Erin loved the color pink and painted the western sky in glowing shades of pink the evening of her first day of "teaching in heaven".SURVIVORSShe is survived by her parents, Edwin and Kate and two siblings,Shannon (16) and Brendan (12);her maternal grandmother, Margaret L. McGinness of Homewood, ILand paternal grandmother Florence C. Harrison of Aurora;one uncle David (Kathy) Harrison of Morrison, ILone aunt, Doe (Andrij Karpenko) McGinness of DesPlaines, ILthree cousins:Colleen Margaret McGinness-GrimesKatie Rose McGinness-GrimesJessica Hodge Altand innumerable friends, far and wide.PRECEDED She joins now her maternal grandfather, Warren M. McGinness and paternal grandfather, Edwin S. Harrisonsix infant brothers, David, Adam, Jonathon, Edwin, Thomas and Jasonas well as two aunts: Marianne Harrison Laurie J. Harrisonwho preceded her in death.MEMORIALSIn lieu of flowers, a memorial in Erin’s name has been established to support the things she loved. Chestnut House, Sci-Tech, the Bridger Project on the Cheyanne River Reservation, and others will benefit. Please mail gifts and remembrances in Erin’s name in care of P.O. Box 66, Elburn, IL 60119.

SERVICESFuneral services will be held Monday, January 19 at 11am. at the church. The Rev. Gary McCann will officiate. Following cremation, private family committal services will be held at the New England Congregational Church Memorial Garden.

A private burial will follow at a later date.

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