WINSLOW – Marlene Amber (Ham) Harris, 81, passed away peacefully on Feb. 1, 2021 at her home in Winslow after a lengthy battle with ovarian cancer. She was born in Waterville on July 1, 1939 to Amber (Jakins) and William E. Ham.

Following graduation from Winslow High School in 1957, Marlene became employed as a private secretary to Miss Pearl Fisher at the former Thayer Hospital. She met and married Richard E. Harris on Feb. 1, 1958, exactly 63 years ago. They raised three children in the home they built together in Winslow. Later, they built a summer cottage at Prince Edward Island which they enjoyed for over 45 years.

Marlene achieved her medical assistant certification and was proud to work with several local physicians, including over 25 years as Dr. John W. Towne’s medical assistant. After retirement in 1997, she and her husband spent winters at their home in Fort Meade, Fla. Both in Maine and Florida, she was very active in the Order of Eastern Star and was a Past Matron of Martha Washington Chapter #15.

Marlene was talented, creative and industrious. She was an artist and restored many antiques with her husband. She loved art, music and was an accomplished knitter and quilter, making quilts for all her family. An active person, she especially enjoyed square dancing, country dancing and clogging, and roller-skating. She and her husband rode motorcycles together for many years and owned and showed antique automobiles.

Marlene had a busy, happy life with many dear friends, including Marie Warman and Pat Apker, and was very grateful for the loving care of her family and the Harold Alfond Center for Cancer Care. She will be remembered by her family for her independence, stamina and sheer determination, especially during her illness. Throughout her life, she shared her love and care for many people, and for many animals, both wild and domestic, especially enjoying her Morgan mare, Karin, and beloved Shih Tzus, Gidget and Cody.

Marlene is survived by her husband, Richard; a daughter, Allison Watson and her husband Michael, a son, Martin Harris and his partner Rhonda Kennedy; three grandchildren, Melissa Audet Stewart, Brian Audet and his wife, Sydnee, Benjamin Audet and his fiancee, Felicia Paradis; two great-grandchildren, Cameron and Abigale Stewart; a brother, Wayne E. Ham and his wife, Peggy; and two nephews, Jason Ham and Christopher Ham and his partner, Sarah Austin.

Her eldest son, Dana R. Harris, predeceased her.

The family extends their deepest gratitude to Dr. Richard Polkinghorn, Jessica, Darryl and all the staff who provided Marlene with the gift of seven years and the highest quality care. Also, Allison sends special appreciation to the Hospice staff, Marsha Stetson and Dawn Lorom, for their skill, kindness and support.

A celebration and remembrance of Marlene’s life will be held at a later date in the spring.

Arrangements under the direction and care of Dan and Scott’s Cremation and Funeral Service, 445 Waterville Rd., Skowhegan, Maine.

In lieu of flowers, a donation may be sent in her memory to the

Waterville Area Humane Society,

100 Webb Rd.,

Waterville, ME 04901.