Wednesday, March 18, 2015

About the memorial for Donna Harris Saturday at Maryhouse


[Makeshift memorial for Donna Harris on Avenue A]

Donna Harris, a homeless resident of Avenue A/Tompkins Square Park these past five years, died on March 2. She was 52.

There's a memorial gathering for her at 7 p.m. this coming Saturday (March 21) at Maryhouse, 55 E. Third St. between First Avenue and Second Avenue.

Per Felton Davis of Maryhouse:

This will not be a formal ceremony, but an informal sharing of stories about a woman who lived through many difficulties and made a unique impression on many in the neighborhood, maintaining cheerfulness in all kinds of weather, always ready to give as well as receive, and in no hurry to leave the Park for life in a boring institution. Please come and meet Donna's family, so we can all pay our respects and take note of her untimely passing.


[Flyer photo on Avenue A via Bobby Williams]

Previously on EV Grieve:
RIP Donna Harris
at

7 comments:

  1. Former East VillagerMarch 18, 2015 at 12:00 PM

    I actually was wondering about this the other day, if the funeral had happened.

    The makeshift memorial is very touching. In my culture, during meals, we often set aside a small portion of food for our dead ancestors as a symbol, so they can have food in the afterlife. That's what I thought of when I saw the photograph.

    I'm very far away, but I will be thinking of Donna and the other people I knew who needed help when I lived in the EV. I tried to help when I could, but I think when I wasn't able, that a human connection did help in some way, just exchanging words or a smile, or in one case, one lady liked taking my hand and pressing it warmly.

    ReplyDelete
  2. AnonymousMarch 18, 2015 at 3:09 PM

    Beautiful photo and person. Her demise is heartbreaking.
    Melanie
    East Village Corner

    ReplyDelete
  3. AnonymousMarch 18, 2015 at 3:31 PM

    Five years homeless. Donna Harris. RIP.

    ReplyDelete
  4. FeltonMarch 18, 2015 at 4:59 PM

    One of Donna's favorite songs was "Karma, Karma, Karma Chameleon," by the Culture Club, so we will have the words to that available, and hopefully be ready to sing it on Saturday. Also a few of her favorite Psalms, and a poem by Robert Frost.

    ReplyDelete
  5. AnonymousMarch 19, 2015 at 4:44 PM

    Wow that's really heartbreaking to see that picture and realize really how fragile life is.

    ReplyDelete
  6. AnonymousMarch 20, 2015 at 11:49 AM

    @anon 4:44PM...I agree.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Former East VillagerMarch 20, 2015 at 12:48 PM

    @anon 11:49 am

    I also agree.

    "Every day.... is like survival..."

    ---from Karma Chameleon

    ReplyDelete

Your remarks and lively debates are welcome, whether supportive or critical of the views herein. Your articulate, well-informed remarks that are relevant to an article are welcome.

However, commentary that is intended to "flame" or attack, that contains violence, racist comments and potential libel will not be published. Facts are helpful.

If you'd like to make personal attacks and libelous claims against people and businesses, then you may do so on your own social media accounts. Also, comments predicting when a new business will close ("I give it six weeks") will not be approved.