Mary Jean Harris “Jibby”

Mary Jean “Jibby” (Peterman) Harris passed peacefully on Sat July 2 at the age of 93. 

A lifelong resident of Milwaukee, she was born on July 23, 1928 to Dr. M.G. and Mildred Peterman. She was pre-deceased by her beloved husband of 63 years, Frederick J. “Jack” Harris in 2012, and her brother Dr. Albert Peterman.

She was the loving mother to and survived by three daughters, Christine (June Kriviskey), Wauwatosa; D. Mackenzie, Milwaukee; and Cyndi (Jen Norris), Santa Fe. Other survivors include seven nieces and nephews and her beloved cousin, Mackenzie Smith, Seattle. 

Jibby was an active member of the Wauwatosa Curling Club for 35 years, the Brown Deer and Lincoln Ladies Golf Leagues, and a very special Pot Luck Club for over 60 years. Jack and Jibby had many wonderful friends through their curling and golfing activities. They were longstanding members of Immanuel Presbyterian Church. In addition, Jibby volunteered for UW Survey Research, the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra as an education docent, and the Immanuel Food Pantry.

In her youth, Jibby was a trailblazer with YMCA Camp Manito-Wish. She helped organize and launch the first Girls Camp in 1941, and was on the first Canadian Canuck in 1946. Jibby remained devoted to Camp Manito-Wish and in 2019 her daughters dedicated a canoe in her honor which has already seen many trips!

Jibby was a graduate of Downer Seminary, and attended UW-Madison, where she met her husband when he was working at her sorority, Gamma Phi Beta. The family is grateful for her private caregivers and Horizon Hospice for comforting support at the end.

A memorial service will be held Thursday, July 14, 1:00 pm at Immanuel Presbyterian Church, 1100 N. Astor, St., Milwaukee. Masks are required inside the church. An ice cream social immediately follows at the Woman’s Club, 813 E. Kilbourn Ave. The service will be live-streamed. Find the link below under the service information.

In lieu of flowers, donations are welcome to Camp Manito-Wish, 5650 Camp Manito-Wish Lane, P.O. Box 246, Boulder Junction, WI 54512; Immanuel Presbyterian Church, 1100 N. Astor Street, Milwaukee, WI  53202; Sojourner Truth House, or the charity of your choice.

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