A loving wife and mother known for her smiles, laughter and sweetness
SOUTH WINDSOR, Conn. — Leanne Maccario Harriss, 41, of South Windsor, loving wife of Michael Harriss, died unexpectedly November 22, 2022, at St. Francis Hospital in Hartford, Conn. Leanne was born June 3, 1981, in Stoneham, to John J. Maccario Sr. and the late Judith A. (Stanley) Maccario.
Leanne grew up in Melrose and graduated from Melrose High School in 1999. While at MHS, she played the flute and piccolo in the marching band and cherished her time with her bandmates. Following high school, Leanne attended Fairfield University (Class of 2003), where she greatly enjoyed a semester abroad in Florence, Italy, and indulged her lifelong love of dance as a member of the Fairfield University Dance Ensemble.
Leanne was an avid shopper and always on the lookout for the best deal, a trait she inherited from her dad, and she always found the perfect gifts. Leanne was up for any type of game night (and the laughs that came with them) and enjoyed getaways to the casino. Her favorite summer activities included spending time by the lake in Maine with family, relaxing by the pool, or heading to the beach. However, Leanne’s biggest love was being with her family and friends, and she jumped on any chance to get a group of loved ones together, especially for her annual Memorial Day cookout.
A wonderful, caring wife, Leanne constantly expressed how proud she was of Mike and all the things he had done in and around the house. Leanne and Mike met while she was in college, and she immediately knew he was “the one.” He was her biggest and most loyal supporter. She loved that he could fix anything. Leanne loved animals and could not wait to get her own place so she could get a dog (or two); Cleo and Ramsey were Leanne’s and Mike’s first babies. Over the past five years, she lived a life devoted to motherhood. Their daughters Clara, Charlotte, and Caterina were her pride and joy. She was the best mom to her girls, always putting them and their activities first. She was especially thrilled to introduce her daughters to dance class.
Leanne will be remembered for her beautiful soul and her selflessness; she made everyone around her feel special. Known for her constant smiles, laughter, sweetness and positivity, Leanne brought joy to everyone she knew.
Along with her husband of eight years, Leanne leaves her three daughters, Clara Ann, Charlotte Rose, and Caterina Marie, all of South Windsor, Conn.; her father, John J. Maccario Sr., of Melrose; her brother John J. Maccario Jr. of Malden; her sister Lori Croach and her husband Jesse of Melrose; father-in-law Robert T. Harriss Jr. of Fairfield, Conn.; mother-in-Law Helen M. Harriss and her partner Clint Evans of Conway, S.C.; brother-in-law Robert T. Harriss III and his wife Emanuela of Ansonia, Conn.; sister-in-law Jennifer L. Harriss of Derby, Conn.; she also leaves three nieces, a nephew, and many other family members and friends. Leanne was predeceased by her mother Judith A. (Stanley) Maccario.
Calling hours will be held on Sunday, December 4, 2022, from 5:30 – 8:30 p.m., at Samsel & Carmon Funeral Home, 419 Buckland Rd., South Windsor, Conn. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated on Monday, December 5, 2022, at 11 a.m., at St. Margaret Mary Church, 80 Hayes Rd., South Windsor, Conn. Burial will immediately follow at Wapping Cemetery, South Windsor, Conn. For online condolences, please visit www.carmonfuneralhome.com.
