Particia Harris

Patricia A. Harris, M.D., 77, of Topeka, died Tuesday, July 11, 2006 at her home.

Dr. Harris ws born June 10, 1929 in Lawrence, the daughter of Earl J. and Frata F. Harris. She was a 1947 graduate of Ottawa High School where she was valedictorian of her class. In college her undergraduate degree was at the University of Kansas. She graduated from the University of Kansas School of Medicine in 1954 where she was honored by being elected to Alpha Omega Alpha, a national honorary medical society.

She served a one-year internship followed by a residency in internal medicine which was completed at the University of Pennsylvania Graduate School of Medicine. She was listed in Who's Who of American Women.

She was married to Marshall E. Hyde M.D. They later divorced. In 1961, Dr. Harris joined the Internal Medicine staff at Memorial Hospital in Topeka. Subsequently, she was with the Security Benefit Life Insurance Co. medical department where she was the Associate Medical Director.

Dr. Harris supported both national and local medical organizations. She was a member of the American Medical Assn., the American Medical Women's Assn., the Kansas Medical Society, the Shawnee County Medical Society, and the Kansas Medical Education Foundation.

She was a member of the First Presbyterian Church, Travelers Club, and Chapter DN of PEO. She was a member of Helping Hands Humane Society and was an outspoken advocate of gentleness toward animals.

She is survived by a sister, Terry Harris of Topeka; a brother, C. Kenneth Harris, Ottawa; a long-time friend, Martha Herrick; one niece and two nephews.

At her request, Dr. Harris was cremated. A private inurnment service will be held at a later date.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Topeka Helping Hands Humane Society, 2625 NW. Rochester Rd., Topeka, KS 66617, the Topeka Rescue Mission, Inc., 600 N. Kansas Ave, P.O. Box 8550, Topeka, KS 66608-0350, The Nature Conservancy of Kansas, 700 SW. Jackson, Topeka, KS 66603 or to the charity of the donor's choice.