Patricia Parker Harris

Patricia Parker Harris passed away peacefully at home in Albuquerque on April 17, 2026.

Born in Dallas, Texas in 1944, Patricia moved with her family to Austin at the age of six, where she grew up finding great enjoyment from horseback riding, tennis, and summer trips to the mountains of New Mexico and Colorado to visit family. She graduated from Austin High School before following her heart to the Southwest, enrolling at the University of New Mexico and was a member of the Delta Delta Delta Sorority. There she earned her nursing degree, beginning a lifelong commitment to caring for others.

Patricia's nursing career was as wide-ranging as it was dedicated. Over the decades she served as a Public Health Nurse for Sandoval County, a Triage Nurse for a Healthcare provider in Maryland a School Nurse for Albuquerque Public Schools and as a Manager of Clinical Research at UNM Health Sciences - each role a reflection of her curiosity, compassion, and quiet determination.

In 1966, she married Richard Harris, then serving in the U.S. Air Force, in a ceremony in Albuquerque. Together they built a life that took them to Alabama and the Washington, D.C. area before returning to settle in Albuquerque, where they raised their two children.

Patricia had a deep connection to the Southwest - its land, its history, and its people. In her younger years, she could be found hiking, camping, and fishing in the local mountains. In retirement, that same spirit led her to explore ancient ruins, lesser-known trails, and historical sites across the region, or simply to walk her neighborhood with a keen eye for the wildlife that shared her world.

In 2003, Patricia co-founded the Friends of Coronado State Park, nurturing the organization over the next two decades into a group of hundreds of members. Through her involvement with the Albuquerque Archaeological Society, she organized countless field trips that brought people face to face with the rich and layered history of the region. In 2020, her years of dedicated service were recognized with the AAS's Bice Award for Outstanding Achievement.

Patricia is survived by her husband of sixty years, Richard Harris; her children Amanda Harris LaVone and James Harris, their spouses, six grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. She leaves behind a community of people whose lives were made richer by knowing her.

Funeral services will take place at 10:00am on May 11th at St Michael's and All Angels in Albuquerque.