Funeral Services Set for Wife of Maryland Congressman

Harris, left, and his late wife. (Photo courtesy of the congressman's office.)
Harris, left, and his late wife. (Photo courtesy of the congressman's office.)
Posted August 29, 2014 at 5:10pm

In lieu of flowers, Rep. Andy Harris and his family are asking for donations to a Baltimore, Md., pregnancy center in memory of Sylvia ‘Cookie’ Harris.  

The Maryland Republican’s wife, who unexpectedly died Thursday, was a dedicated anti-abortion advocate and a board member of the Pregnancy Center North, where she regularly volunteered. The 57-year-old mother of five and grandmother to two also served as director of special events for Maryland Right to Life.  

House Speaker John A. Boehner, R-Ohio, offered thoughts and prayers to the Harris family via Twitter on Friday, calling Cookie Harris “a devoted mother & powerful voice for the unborn.”  

Harris’ office announced plans for a visitation on Sunday from 1 to 8 p.m. with a vigil beginning at 7 p.m. at Ruck Funeral Home, 1050 York Road in Towson, Maryland. A funeral mass will be held Monday at 11 a.m. at the Cathedral of Mary Our Queen in Baltimore.