Mary Susan Ferrarini Harris, our beloved mother and grandmother, peacefully passed away on October 15 after a long battle with breast cancer. She was born on April 7, 1938 in Uniontown, Pennsylvania and was the youngest of six children. Her parents immigrated from Palagano, Italy to Pennsylvania in the 1920's. Just after her graduation from Redstone High School in 1956, Sue arrived in Washington, D.C. to begin her longtime career at the United States Information Agency in the Department of Personnel Management. She retired in 1988 as a Personnel Director. Sue's love for her family, her dogs, and sharing her Italian heritage were the passions of her life.

She is survived by her daughter, Sandra Tucker (Mike), grandsons Matthew Tucker and Alex Tucker (Natasha) and two sisters, Anna Ferrarini Gibbons and Gloria Ferrarini, as well as several nieces and nephews. Affectionately known as Nana, she treasured her grandchildren with whom she loved sharing her Italian cooking traditions. She had a special love for all the family pets as well. Her other passions included gardening and sewing. She was preceded in death by her loving husband of 25 years, Retired US Air Force Master Sergeant, Boyd E. Harris; parents Emilio and Mary Ferrarini; sister Alice Ferrarini Fisco; and brothers Silvio Ferrarini and Aurilio "Val" Ferrarini.

Sue will be deeply missed by her family and friends, but her legacy of love and all things Italian will forever remain in the hearts of all who knew her. The family would like to express their sincere gratitude to the staff at Falcons Landing Johnson Center whose dedication and professionalism were a comfort to Sue and her family. Prior to her interment at Arlington National Cemetery, a celebration of Sue's life will be held at 2:00pm on Monday, December 2 at Falcons Landing, 20522 Falcons Landing Circle, Potomac Falls, Virginia.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Fisher House Foundation or Loudoun Breast Health Network.