Sister Mary Harris (also known as Sister M. Armand), 77, a Dominican Sister of Springfield, died Sept. 16. She was born to Armand and Marion Stewart Harris in St. Paul, Minn. She joined the Springfield Dominicans in 1956.

For 49 years, Sister Mary had been an educator and/or social worker. Her responsibilities included teacher, director of religious education, pastoral associate, and coordinator and advocator for underprivileged people. Places in Illinois where she ministered included: St. Cabrini, Springfield; St. John Bosco, Chicago; St. Bernadette, Evergreen Park; Holy Angels, St. Peter, and Hesed House, Aurora; Confraternity of Christian Doctrine Centers, Arcola, Carlinville and Hillsboro. While living in New Market, Minn., she ministered for Catholic Charities in St. Paul. Sister Mary served her congregation also as a local prioress. For health reasons, she retired to the motherhouse in 2006.

Sister Mary was preceded in death by her parents, her brothers James and Bill, and her twin sister Virginia "Ginny" Kelly. She is survived by her sisters-in-law Joanne and Ardy, and 15 nieces and nephews.

The funeral Mass was held Sept. 20 at Sacred Heart Convent, with Archbishop Harry Flynn of St. Paul and Father Peter Witchousky, OP, presiding. Burial was Sept. 21 in Calvary Cemetery, Springfield.

Donations may be made to the Dominican Sisters Retirement Fund, 1237 W. Monroe, Springfield, IL 62704.

Kirlin-Egan and Butler Funeral Home, Springfield, was in charge of arrangements.