Lynne K. (Melville) Harris

Lynne K. Harris, of Mesick, passed away on Saturday, May 23, 2026 at home with family by her side. She was 88.

Lynne was born on April 14, 1938 in Saginaw, Michigan to Kenneth and Elsa (Porter) Melville. After graduating from high school, Lynne went on to earn her Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing from University of Michigan and later received her Master’s Degree from Wayne State University. On October 10, 1959, she entered into marriage with Joseph Harris in Saginaw. The couple spent 37 years together, before his time of passing in 1997. She dedicated her professional life to nursing education and healthcare, inspiring countless students with her knowledge, compassion, and encouragement. She taught Health Occupations at Wexford-Missaukee Career Technical Center before continuing her career teaching nursing at Northwestern Michigan College. A lifelong supporter of University of Michigan athletics, Lynne proudly cheered for her beloved Wolverines every season. She also devoted much of her time to community service, serving as a volunteer and board member with the Wexford County Council on Aging, as well as serving on the Mesick Consolidated Schools Board of Education. Lynne was also an active member of nursing associations at the state level, where she advocated for excellence in nursing and healthcare education. Above all else, Lynne treasured her family. She found her greatest joy in spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, celebrating their accomplishments and creating lasting memories together. She also loved the simple pleasures of being outdoors, especially tending to her garden, where she found peace and happiness among the flowers and seasons she cherished so deeply. Lynne will be remembered for her caring spirit, dedication to education and service, and the love she shared so generously with family, friends, students, and her community.

Lynne is survived by her loving children, Bob (Shirley) Harris of Mesick, Val (Tom) MacFarlane of Bloomfield Hills, Julie Boss of Mesick, and Jennifer (Duke) Wagatha; grandchildren, Grace (David) DeVore, Mike MacFarlane, Will MacFarlane, Cody (Myranda) Wagatha, Clayton (Chrissy) Wagatha, and Carly Wagatha; great-grandchildren, Moe, Cal, Phoebe, Cade, and Quinn; sister, Carol (Don) Currie; numerous nieces and nephews; and many other loving family members and friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Joseph Harris; parents, Kenneth and Elsa Melville; son-in-law, Fred Boss; and sister and brother-in-law, Betsy and Jerry Shinneman.

A memorial service will be held on Friday, May 29, 2026 at 11 a.m. with visitation held one hour prior at Hitesman-Holdship Funeral Home. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to the Wexford Council on Aging.

Condolences and memories may be shared online at www.Hitesman-Holdship.com.

The family is being served by Hitesman-Holdship Funeral Home.

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