Obituary of Beth Harris

Beth Odachowski Harris, age 77, of Fairfield, passed away peacefully on Thursday, March 20, 2025, after a brief illness. She was known as a lifelong advocate for community, the arts, nature, and education.

Born in Bridgeport to Joseph and Margaret Odachowski, Beth moved to Fairfield in 1952. She graduated from Andrew Warde High School in 1965 and went on to earn her BA in English from the University of Connecticut in 1969. Beth began her career as a scientific programmer at Perkin-Elmer, applying her skills to optics and digital imaging research. She later dedicated her talents to social service as a grant writer at Family Services Woodfield, where she passionately supported programs focused on ending homelessness, strengthening community development, and advancing healthcare, juvenile justice, and counseling services. She later returned to the technical field, taking on leadership roles as a program manager and product development engineer at ASML, Pitney Bowes, and Sikorsky.

Beth’s lifelong commitment to community was reflected in her many volunteer leadership roles. She served as President and Membership Vice President of the Greater Bridgeport Youth Symphony Orchestras, President and Race Director of Pequot Runners, and Vice President of the New Haven Chapter of the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM). She was a member of the boards of directors of Fairfield Community Services and the Greater Bridgeport Symphony. She volunteered with Bridgeport Hospital, Fairfield Public Schools, Junior League of Eastern Fairfield County, and Mill River Wetland Committee (MRWC).  In her spare time, she was an avid gardener and a friend to wildlife and pets. 

She is survived by her husband, Duncan Harris; daughters, Tracy White of Alpharetta, Georgia, and Nora Harris of Los Angeles, California; two grandchildren, two step-grandchildren, two step-great-grandchildren; and cousins Rodney Bodnar (Peggy), Arthur Hug (Penny), David Sigovich, and Cris Sigovich (Sue).
 

Beth will be remembered for her service, leadership, and deep love of community. A celebration of life will be held on Friday, May 9^th, from 9:30-10:30 am at Lesko Funeral Home, 1209 Post Road, Fairfield Center. A prayer service will take place at 10:30 am. Beth’s services will continue at Lawncroft Cemetery in Bridgeport. Donations in her memory may be made to Connecticut Public Television, the Connecticut Humane Society, or a charity of your choice.

For travel directions or to leave Beth an online condolence, please visit www.LeskoFuneralHome.Com