Kathleen Harrie was born December 24, 1923, in Fargo, ND to Milda and Ray Griffin. She passed away October 1, 2019, in Grand Forks, ND, after a long and rich life. She is remembered for her kindness, a quiet sense of humor, her Scandinavian stoicism, and her love of her family, her devotion to her friends, and her loyalty to the UND hockey team.

Family was the center of her life. She and her late husband, William, were married for over fifty years. Together they raised eight children, encouraging in them a thirst for education and supporting their interests in sports, art, and music. Dinner was a time of lively discussion about politics and current events. After the last of her children entered school, she became a long time employee of Norby's department store, where her keen eye for fashion and quality led to her being sent to New York on annual buying trips. Norby's provided an ideal environment for her gregarious nature and love of people.

Kathleen made friends easily and nurtured her friendships. She was a member of Homemakers of America and she and Bill enjoyed taking classes through their church in the history of their faith. She loved to read and enjoyed sharing her appreciation of good books with friends. She was especially blessed by the devoted friendship of Patsy Nies. Her final years were spent at Valley Eldercare Center, where she emerged as a champion bingo player and became a favorite of the staff, whose compassionate care of her is sincerely appreciated by her family. There she was allowed visits from her adored cat, Lisa, who was with her at the end.

Although Kathleen loved to garden and travel, one of her greatest pleasures was attending UND hockey games. She closely followed the team's fortunes over the years, enjoyed a friendly rivalry with her son-in-law Jerry over the Minnesota Gophers, and even took an errant puck in the face for the team, refusing medical aid until the end of the period.

Kathleen is survived by her brother Robert Griffin; her children Jeanne Harrie, James Harrie (Jan), Kate Boriack, Susie Harrie (Michael McCullough), Dr. Robert Harrie (Jan), William Harrie, and John Harrie (Karen); daughter-in law Holly Harrie (Paul); her grandchildren Matthias (Lindsay) and Anne Kleinsasser; Sara, Ann, and Scott (Shana) Harrie; Steven Harrie; Matthew Boriack; Maureen McCullough; Ben (Marco Torres Walter), Walter Mia and Lily Harrie; Marc (Amanda), Jeff, and Nick Harrie; and Jocelyn and Tyler Harrie; and her great grandchildren Elin Kleinsasser, Lola and Aria Harrie, Grant Harrie, and Rydia Walter. She was preceded in death by her husband, William, her children Joan and Paul; her grandson Michael Harrie; and her sons-in-law Jerome Kleinsasser and David Boriack.

Faith was a constant in Kathleen's life. She was a long time member of St. Mary's Catholic Church.

Mass of Christian Burial: 11:00 a.m. Friday, October 11, 2019 in St. Mary's Catholic Church, Grand Forks, ND.
Visitation: 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Thursday with a 6:30 p.m. rosary service and 7:00 p.m. vigil service in the Historic Norman Funeral Home Chapel. Visitation will continue for one hour prior to the liturgy in the church on Friday.
Burial: Calvary North Cemetery, Grand Forks, ND.