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

7 comments:

Former East Villager said...

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.

Anonymous said...

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

Anonymous said...

Five years homeless. Donna Harris. RIP.

Felton said...

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.

Anonymous said...

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

Anonymous said...

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

Former East Villager said...

@anon 11:49 am

I also agree.

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

---from Karma Chameleon