Eleanor (Van Buskirk) Harris
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Eleanor (Van Buskirk) Harris

  • August 22, 1907 - September 22, 2011
  • Melrose, Massachusetts
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“I loved music and the smile on Mrs. Harris's face...I use to say hello to her when I went to Boston Rock Road to visit the Constantine Family. God...Read More » ”
1 of 32 | Posted by: Georgia Anne Chakalis - Melrose, MA

“I remember Mrs. Harris as always smiling and very happy .....she was a really nice teacher and I always looked forward to seeing her. She must have...Read More » ”
2 of 32 | Posted by: Arleen (Cieplik) Harris - FL

“Mrs. Harris was my 4th grade teacher. It is my class picture that is in her book. I am now a Middle School principal and I often refer to my time...Read More » ”
3 of 32 | Posted by: Ralph Watson - Boston, MA

“Eleanor Harris was an extraordinary woman. How wonderful that she was able to spend her last months in the home she loved so much. My mother, Bea...Read More » ”
4 of 32 | Posted by: Diana Donovan - Celo, NC

“I will always remember mrs Harris I had summer school back in 1976 - 1977 and Mrs Harris was my teacher. Because of mrs Harris I learned to love...Read More » ”
5 of 32 | Posted by: Joan Costas - Melrose, MA

“A tribute to Eleanor Harris By Irene Hunt There are no words that could ever tell; Of this kind and caring lady - Eleanor Harris - A gift to all...Read More » ”
6 of 32 | Posted by: Irene Hunt - Melrose, MA

“My condolences to the family of Eleanor Harris. She was certainly a sparkling jewel. I admired her style and funk for fashion as well as the...Read More » ”
7 of 32 | Posted by: Susan Messina - Somerville, MA

“My grandmother, Eleanor, was such a talented, loving, encouraging and extremely amazing woman and human being, and I don't just say that because she...Read More » ”
8 of 32 | Posted by: Colby Giles Harris - Warrenton, OR

“My grandmother, Eleanor, was such a talented, loving, encouraging and extremely amazing woman and human being, and I don't just say that because she...Read More » ”
9 of 32 | Posted by: Colby Giles Harris - Warrenton, OR

“Eleanor was a wonderful supporter, collaborator and friend during the years I conducted the Polymnia Choral Society, with whom she was a frequent...Read More » ”
10 of 32 | Posted by: James E Reyes - Melrose, MA

“As a relative I was privileged as a child to have long visits with "Cousin Eleanor" when our family got together with her family. As others before...Read More » ”
11 of 32 | Posted by: Cynthia Eisner - Millbury, MA

“In the short time that we had the opportunity to know and live with Eleanor her spirited humor and love for music touched us warmly. We now...Read More » ”
12 of 32 | Posted by: Holmes Family - Melrose, MA

“Mrs. Harris made my 1960s junior high school years at Coolidge School memorable. Her music classes were lively and she believed that everyone could...Read More » ”
13 of 32 | Posted by: Linda Granfield - Toronto, Canada

“When I was a young boy until my family moved to NH in 1968, I was 16 at the time, but I remember as a very young boy of 5 and up to the age of 16,...Read More » ”
14 of 32 | Posted by: RICHARD THIBAULT - Pembroke, NH

“The memory of Eleanor and I performing on stage; me in my kilt singing 'Annie Laurie' and Eleanor doing her 'Naughty Marrietta' songs is still keen...Read More » ”
15 of 32 | Posted by: Leonard B. Dalton - Melrose, MA

“Fond memories of the extraordinary Halloween open houses, Ledgewind views, a wonderful, loving lady who always had a smile for the children. A true...Read More » ”
16 of 32 | Posted by: Mike Festa - Melrose, MA

“Mrs. Harris was my music teacher and glee club leader at Coolidge Jr. High in 1963 and 1964. I have thought of her often over the years. When I log...Read More » ”
17 of 32 | Posted by: Kathy (Morris) Drew - Chandler, AZ

“Mrs. Harris was one of my most memorable teachers. She was my 6th grade teacher at the Beebe School in the early 1960's. We always had amazing...Read More » ”
18 of 32 | Posted by: Gail Reitsma Wolejko - Lunenburg, MA

“I didn't meet Eleanor until well into her latter years, but even so, I could tell she was a lovely, gracious lady. She always responded to greetings...Read More » ”
19 of 32 | Posted by: Lucy Miller - Corpus Christi, TX

“Going to my grandmothers house for the holidays was so much fun. Her home was always so festive. She would tell us the most amazing stories at...Read More » ”
20 of 32 | Posted by: Robert Harris - Malden, MA

“I am 53 years old and even now at Halloween I tell people what it was like to go to Mrs Harris' house on Halloween. She would dress in a pretty white...Read More » ”
21 of 32 | Posted by: M Sullivan - Melrose, MA

“It was a great honor having your mother and grandmother as a teacher. She was my music teacher. I had always wanted to learn the volin but coming...Read More » ”
22 of 32 | Posted by: elizabeth higgins - melrose, MA

“I very fondly remember Mrs. Harris. She was my 6th grade teacher at the old Gooch School, which is long gone. She was a wonderful teacher and...Read More » ”
23 of 32 | Posted by: Carol (Santos) Parady - Groveland, MA

“My strongest memory of Mrs Harris is of a wonderful party she threw for us girls graduating from 8th grade from Calvin Coolidge School. We must have...Read More » ”
24 of 32 | Posted by: Deborah A Love Kelley - Andover, MA

“WE WILL MISS YOU EVERYDAY AND THE MOST ON OUR BIRTHDAYS WHEN YOU WONT BE THERE TO SING TO US... ”
25 of 32 | Posted by: MARIA HARRIS - MALDEN, MA

“Mrs. Harris was such an inspiration and influenced my love of music and the arts. Her zest for life will never be forgotten and the memories of my...Read More » ”
26 of 32 | Posted by: Susan MacCutcheon Russell - FL

“Mrs. Harris was a terrific teacher who encouraged my singing. She signed me up for Glee Club in high school (unbeknownst to me at the time) and I've...Read More » ”
27 of 32 | Posted by: Jonathan Goldblith - Frederick, MD

“Ms. Harris was one of my favorite teachers. I enjoyed her 6th grade elementary school class at Beebe School and the next two years she inspired...Read More » ”
28 of 32 | Posted by: John Scarpa - Ipswich, MA

“Ms. Harris was one of my favorite teachers. I enjoyed her 6th grade elementary school class at Beebe School and the next two years she inspired...Read More » ”
29 of 32 | Posted by: John Scarpa - Ipswich, MA

“I can't begin to explain what an impact Mrs. Harris had on me and my life. She was not only my inspirtion to continue my music all through my life,...Read More » ”
30 of 32 | Posted by: Marilyn Flanders - Sunapee, NH

“I had met eleanor a few times from my aunt alice Graham.. i am sorry for her passing she lived a good life 104 thats a blessing .. my thoughts and...Read More » ”
31 of 32 | Posted by: Kathy Graham - Melrose , MA

Grandma with myself and her two oldest great-grandchildren: Stephen and Kaitlyn Jones - August 2008 “Eleanor made a tremendous impression on many, many lives. She has always been my greatest inspiration. She was always smiling, vibrant, and full of...Read More » ”
32 of 32 | Posted by: Christiana Louise Harris - MA


  • Eleanor's 102nd Birthday

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Mrs. Eleanor L. (Van Buskirk) Harris, of Boston Rock Road and nearly a lifelong Melrose resident, died peacefully in her 105th year at home on Thursday morning, September 22, 2011.

Eleanor Van Buskirk was born in Melrose on August 22, 1907, one of six children of the late Robert L. and Anne (Westman) Van Buskirk. Raised in Melrose, she was a graduate of Melrose High School, Class of 1925 and Westfield State Teachers College.

As a very talented young musician, she started playing the piano at age 7, sang soprano at the organ dedication at Memorial Hall at age 12, and was the youngest player in the Melrose Symphony Orchestra at age 14. She also sang for the Boston Light Opera Co. when she was 21. Eleanor and her future husband, Robert S. Harris, met while she was singing for the WBZ radio station in Boston. She taught piano for over 40 years and was a member of the Polymnia Choral Society. Mrs. Harris was a longtime member and significant contributor of the Beethoven Society of Melrose. She was known for her handsewn traditional gowns and costumes which she would wear while performing.

She was a woman small in stature, but large in her years of life accomplishments. A Melrose junior high and elementary school teacher, many students remember her as a quick witted and inspiring teacher. She was the author of three books. One of which detailed her experiences as the mother of a US Navy Lieutenant who was imprisoned for 11 months in North Korea. Her home on Boston Rock Road where she lived for over 50 years was a local landmark for holding wedding ceremonies and community events. The house, known as "Ledgewinds" sits high atop the hill overlooking Pine Banks Park and the Boston skyline.

For many years, Mrs. Harris was the organist at Winter Hill Congregational Church in Somerville and a member of Trinity Church in Melrose.

Eleanor was the beloved wife of the late Robert S. Harris with whom she shared 25 years of marriage. Devoted mother of Stephen R. Harris, Lt. CMDR US Navy Ret. and his wife Beth of Melrose. Mother-in-law of the late Esther U. Harris. Dear sister of the late Gordon W., Gilbert F., Willard S., Alden L., Col. US Air Force, and Robert E. Van Buskirk. Cherished grandmother of Christiana L. Harris of Melrose, Colby G. Harris of OR, Robert S. Harris, II and his wife Maria of Malden, and Eric J. Holmes and his wife Frances of Arlington. Loving great-grandmother of Stephen Jones, Kaitlyn Jones, Madilyn Harris all of Melrose, and Camilla Holmes of Arlington.

Funeral Service in celebration of Eleanor's life at the Robinson Funeral Home, 809 Main St., Melrose on Saturday, October 1 at 11 AM. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend. Visiting hours on Saturday from 9AM-11AM. Interment in Puritan Lawn Memorial Park, Peabody.

Gifts in Eleanor's honor may be made to Hallmark Health VNA and Hospice, 178 Savin St., Ste. 300, Malden, MA 02148.