"Seeing is believing." For many, those words simply represent a motto. But for Barbara Jean Harris, it summarized in every way who she was. She was modest, quiet and observant, taking in everything around her and always thinking before acting. She was a realist, someone who was efficient and practical in everything she did. She was a friendly person who truly cared about those around her.

Barbara was born on April 6, 1944 at Waukesha Memorial Hospital in Waukesha, Wisconsin. She was the daughter of LeRoy H. and Grace M. Lurvey. Raised in Delafield, Wisconsin, she was brought up to be tolerant and trustworthy. As a child, she learned to be conscientious, responsible and punctual. These were all traits that she would carry with her throughout her life.

As a young girl, Barbara was always aware of how others around her felt and this quality served her well. With a deep capacity to tolerate the feelings of others, Barbara was generally able to avoid conflicts. It seemed as if Barbara was the family member who was always working to keep stress at bay. Preferring a quiet environment where she could concentrate, Barbara also had the ability to relate well with her family and friends. Barbara was raised with one sibling, a brother, Robert L. Lurvey. Barbara was constantly involved in activities with her family. Barbara and her brother had many years between them in age, however they deeply cared for each other and shared many life experiences over the years.

Growing up, Barbara was one of those children who didn't need to be in the center of a whirlwind of activity. She was content to entertain herself. Barbara was never pushy when it came to games and other activities, but rather, she was able to enjoy the pure fun these could bring. In just about everything she did as a child, Barbara was intent on pleasing both the adults and the other children around her. Barbara took part in a number of activities as a child. She was a Brownie and a member of the Girl Scouts. In her spare time she enjoyed reading books.

Barbara enjoyed learning. She always had a great memory and was particularly skilled at retaining factual information. Barbara was generally quiet in class, learning best through observation. She often showed great concentration and was competent at completing the tasks at hand. Good with details, Barbara was painstaking and accurate in her efforts. All of these talents culminated in a successful high school career. She graduated from Oconomowoc High School in 1962. Barbara enjoyed some courses more than others, having favorite subjects and teachers. Her favorite class in high school was Economics. The teacher she enjoyed learning from the most was Ann Dropp. During her time at Oconomowoc High School, Barbara was in Orchestra and Band.

Most folks would say that Barbara was shy until they got to know her. Those who were privileged to know her well learned that she was a solid, good friend. Barbara was reluctant to generalize about people, and she based her friendships on her personal experiences. Because of this, Barbara best trusted those people that she truly knew. She was concerned about how those around her felt, and she always seemed to uncover the positive side of people. She could relate to others and had the ability to see their point of view, to "walk a mile in their shoes," as the saying goes. The friends that she made, Barbara kept. While growing up, some of her friends were Penney Sheeran, Judy Kaefer, Diane Gaido, Susie DraCamp, Gloria Maglio, Jim Lutz and Sue Duer. Later in life, she became good friends with Bonnie Trudgeon-Scholko, Tonya Weaver, Juan Aragon and Susie Zunker.

Love can't be defined but must be experienced. That was so true for Barbara. On August 9, 1965 Barbara married Mark Merrill Sabraw by the Justice of the Peace. They wed again on September 19, 1965 in St. John's Cathedral of Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Although they are no longer married, they remained great friends throughout the years.

Barbara was a good mother to her children. She had "old fashioned" parental values and could handle typical family conflicts in a fair and calm manner. Because she trusted emotions, Barbara was reluctant to force issues and used gentle persuasion to resolve situations. In this way she seemed caring to those around her, always thinking before acting. In addition, no matter how hectic life around her might be, she seemed to always keep in touch with her family. Barbara was blessed with four children: Mark M. Sabraw II, Scott A. Sabraw, Katherine M. Bockhorst, and Hillary Franz-Bawden. She was also blessed with 10 grandchildren: Andrew Shaw, Natalie Bockhorst, Keaton Mabry, Abby Mabry, Erika Sabraw, Madeline Franz-Bawden, Gabrielle Franz-Bawden, Olivia Franz-Bawden, Mark Sabraw III, and Ana•s Grace Sabraw.

If you gave Barbara a deadline, she would meet it. At work, Barbara was always on task. Without hesitation, Barbara could adhere to any assignment and see it through to its completion. Her primary occupation was as a secretary/ office assistant. She was employed for 20 years by State Farm Insurance. During that time, Barbara excelled in working with small groups in order to complete assignments. She was able to quickly grasp concrete ideas and could organize and plan the best way to accomplish things with remarkable consistency. Barbara was good at staying on track and was considerate in listening to what others had to say. In this way, Barbara had a true gift for being able to come up with practical resolutions to difficult problems. She was often the team member who managed to put forth a win/win solution for all parties.

Barbara liked to experience things first hand, in addition to simply learning about them. This quality influenced Barbara's choice of leisure time activities. A methodical and patient worker, Barbara preferred to set aside uninterrupted time to work on her hobbies. Her favorite pursuits were painting, knitting, needlepoint, ceramics, bowling, and photography. Barbara was content to sit quietly alone, enjoying her hobbies all by herself and could often be found just reading all varieties of books.

Due to her excellent organizational skills, Barbara was a welcome addition to the professional and community organizations to which she belonged. Barbara could bring established, successful methods to the discussion table, along with a generous helping of common sense. Barbara was good at making and keeping schedules and never got bogged down in unnecessary details. In high school, Barbara was a member of the Library Club, Dramatics Club, Pep Club, GAA Club, Home Economics Club, Homecoming Committee and Class Officer Treasurer. Barbara was an active member of the National Rifle Association and the POW/MIA Association. She was also very passionate about the Paralyzed Veterans of America.

Barbara was practical and grounded and based her decisions on first hand experience. She was responsible and liked working to achieve results rather than just chattering about possibilities. Politically, Barbara was a member of the Republican Party.

An individual who respected and maintained traditional values, her faith was important to Barbara. Her compassion, consideration and sympathy toward others was evident in her personal beliefs. She was a born again Christian.

Barbara's favorite vacations included to Burbank, California for the General Hospital Annual Convention.

Barbara cherished her pets and was as loyal to them as they were to her. Her extended pet family included Mandy, the cat who she had for 18 years and Patty, the dog, who she had for 15 years.

Barbara's retirement finally arrived in 2005. Her new life involved continuing her life in Las Vegas, Nevada. In retirement, she found new pleasure in the computer, reading, and painting. Even in retirement, she continued to stay in touch with her old friends while making plenty of new acquaintances.

Barbara passed away on September 22, 2010 at Desert Springs Hospital in Las Vegas, Nevada from complications from a stroke. She is survived by her brother, Robert L. Lurvey; her children, Mark M. Sabraw II, Scott A. Sabraw, Katherine M. Bockhorst, Hilary Franz-Bawden; and her grandchildren, Andrew Shaw, Natalie Bockhorst, Keaton Mabry, Abby Mabry, Erika Sabraw, Madeline Franz-Bawden, Gabrielle Franz-Bawden, Olivia Franz-Bawden, Mark Sabraw III, and Anais Grace Sabraw. Services were held at Palm Mortuary, Eastern Chapel. Barbara was laid to rest in Palm Valley View Cemetery, Garden of Comfort, in Las Vegas, Nevada.

It is said that some people can't see the forest for the trees. Barbara was able to focus on each individual tree, tending to its needs, thus making the forest stronger as a whole. Barbara was a trustworthy, pragmatic and sympathetic person, the kind of woman to whom everyone was drawn. She was thorough and practical. Barbara Harris was very literal with her words. You always knew where you stood with Barbara. She will be missed.