Jeanne Marie Start Harris
March 30, 1958 - January 28, 2011
Jeanne died on January 28, 2011 from an 8 year battle with breast cancer. She was born on March 30th, 1958 in Detroit, Michigan to John E. Start and Ann L. Start. Jeanne married Robby Harris on May 3rd, 1980, later divorced but remained good friends. Two children were born from their marriage, Curtis Harris (Mady) and Hailey Harris. They are her pride and joy and she couldn’t have asked for better children. They are the light of my life and my heart is full of love from them always.
Survived by my children; ex-husband and good friend Robby Harris; mother Ann Start, who has been there through the whole journey; brothers and sisters John (Beth), Mary Ann (Tom), Danny (Reg), Annie (Kenny), Phil (Marjorie), Paul (Kelly), and Jim (Tristin), who without their love, support and constant care I would never have made it through. Also survived by 15 nieces and nephews, who helped keep me young at heart and always made me laugh.
Some say that the cancer beats them and wins. In this case, Jeanne won the fight over cancer. Since the day she was told she had cancer she was a fighter and never gave up. She was able to watch her son and daughter grow from young teenagers into beautiful strong adults. She also won when the company she worked for, Ballard Medical, was bought and moved to Mexico, and because of her talent she was hired from another great company that gave her a boost in her life. During her eight year battle she had great trips to Mexico and Lake Powell, enjoyed seeing her son fall in love and soon to be married. She also watched her daughter grow into a beautiful confident young woman with a bright future.
Jeanne is the kindest strongest person we know and a true fighter. She never had a bad word to say about anyone and always put everyone elses needs before her own. Her smile and strength will live in all of us. Even in the end she said “I hope I have taken the cancer hit for all my family”
Jeanne, just know you won!!!
We would like to thank.
Dr Litton and his staff at Utah Cancer Specialists, and especially the nurses in the Chemo treatment room, the staff at Intermountain Medical Center 9th floor, and her employer and friends at Edwards Lifesciences for believing in her.
Friends may call upon the family for a wake service on Monday, January 31st from 6 to 8 PM at Starks Funeral Parlor, 3651 South 900 East, Salt Lake City.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made in Jeanne’s name to the Susan G. Komen Foundation or the American Cancer Society.
In Loving Memory
May Jeanne rest in peace now. My thoughts and prayers are with her and your family. i will never forget all the good times our families had together and how special they were. Condolences to all of Jeanne's family.
Steve Aberton
Salt Lake City, Ut
My thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this time. Jeanne was so strong these past years,she will be in a restful place now. God bless all of you. Ginger
Ginger Harrington
Salt Lake City, Ut
My deepest and sincere sympathy is with you Ann and all of Jeanne`s family. I think that she was in RIchard`s class .May she rest in peace.God bless you all at this sad time of loss love Grace
GRACE
HOLLADY, UT
Our thoughts and prayers our with MaryAnn and her family in these difficults times. Bill
William J. Backstrom
Minneapolis, MN
I never knew Jeanne but heard of her journey from Mary Ann. Jeanne was a woman of amazing strength whose power has impacted so many, beyond those she knew. My condolences to all of Jeanne's family.
Rose Evans
Johnston, IA
Sending love and support to all the Starts and Harris family members, especially MaryAnn. My memories of Jeanne are mostly from our high school years. She was 'the voice of reason' and yet ready to join in, with a wonderful laugh and smile. Jeanne is missed.
Beth Ehresman
Edina, MN
My thoughts and Prayers are with Jeanne's family! She was not only a co-worker but part of the Edwards family! She will be missed every day! I will miss you Jeanne- keep smiling :)
Chrisann Dickey
Murray, Ut
I write this message for Jeanne's children: You both don't know me but I worked with Jeanne at Edwards, I just wanted you both to know that every time I talked to her about you guys her whole face lit up and that was a light that I was blessed to see. I only knew Jeanne for a short time but I definitely know I will miss knowing her better. May God love,bless and protect you, you are her legacy. Sincerely, Shauna G.
Shauna M. Greenwood
Holladay, Ut
After a long hard fight you can finally rest my friend. You are in my thoughts and in my heart and your family is in my prayers. My deepest sympathies to Jeanne's family. Just knowing her made so many of our lives better.
Brenda Hilton
Sandy, Ut
We will miss Jeanne dearly. She always had a welcoming smile for us!! May she rest in peace now. Our thoughts are with Hailey and your family.
Aurora & Dante
Greybull, wy
Dear Kelly, Tarun passed the word to me last night about the loss of your sister-in-law. I am sad that you and your family have to go through this, but know that from what I've read about Jeanne that her strong will and fiesty spirit have really kept it together for the family for quite a while now. Her battle is over, and now she is whole, healthy and happy as it should be. Be filled with the joy of memories of her and the laughter you shared. Sincere condolences to all of you and my thoughts are with you. Much love, In Christ, Andrea
Andrea Lee
Charlotte, NC
I worked with Jeanne at Edwards, and she was a joy to work with. Here are some of my favorite memories of her: Hearing her describe Hailey's account of water getting in her room -- It's raining like a tsunami in here!" Joking with her about Trixie, the lady she ordered her treatment medicine from. We joked that with a name like Trixie, the drugs Jeanne was getting might not be for cancer treatment. Catching up with Jeanne on Survivor, So You Think You Can Dance, and other TV shows. Jeanne did a wonderful impression of Chef Gordon Ramsey and would sometimes break out spontaneously with "You call this BEEF WELLINGTON???" If Jeanne had a Happy Meal for lunch, she'd always pass the toy over to me to take home to my 2-year-old daughter. Above all, Jeanne was a caring coworker. She adored her children. She was always a bright spot in the workplace. I was not surprised at all to see all the people who visited her at the hospital and came to her wake. She touched the life of everyone she met. Miss you, Jeanne. Quinn
Quinn Lavender
Woods Cross, UT
Jeanne, I will miss you so much. You were such a good friend and an inspiration to all of us. I am so grateful to have known you for the 3 years we worked together at Edwards. You really touched my heart. Love, Carrie
Carrie Rydin
Draper, Ut
Be the living expression of God's kindness: kindness in your face, kindness in your eyes, kindness in your smile. ~ Mother Teresa Jeanne was the living expression of God's kindness. I will miss her.
Dana LeFevre
Sandy, Ut