Janice P. "Poochie" (Pina) Harris, 74, of New Bedford died November 19, 2022 unexpectedly at St. Luke's Hospital.
Born in Acushnet, daughter of the late Mary "Senora" Pina and Wilber James, raised in New York City by her late grandmother, Belmira (Pina) Baptista and her late husband Antero and by her late aunt Bea Baptista, before moving to New Bedford in the 1960's.
She was formerly employed as a career specialist at Coastline Elderly Services for many years until her retirement. She also worked New Directions/MassHire Career Center.
Janice was also a sought after emcee for many events in the community. She had a beautiful speaking voice and a N.Y. accent she never quite lost. Janice was one of the last, "Miss Ultramarine Band Club" Pagent Queens. She was a friend of the elderly, a kind and gentle spirit and she will be missed by her family and community. Job well done, "Poochie". Enjoy your Heavenly home.
She was an active parishioner of Our Lady of the Assumption Church where she was a lecture.
Survivors include her 2 sons, Rasheed Harris and his fiancée Melissa of Fairhaven and Marley Moss of New Bedford; a brother, Oscar Larson of Arizona; 2 sisters, Diane Larson of RSM, California and Nora McPartland of Yuma, AZ; a grandson, Eli Harris; her good friend, Rick Moss; 3 nieces, Chelsea, Emily and Erin; 2 nephews, David Larson and his wife Justyna of Texas and Ryan; her step-father, David Larson, Sr. of Arizona; and many cousins and friends.
Her Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, November 26th at 10 AM at Our Lady of the Assumption Church. Visiting hours will be on Friday, November 25th from 5-8 PM at the Saunders-Dwyer Home for Funerals, 495 Park St., New Bedford.