Patricia D Harns, 96

Patricia Donnelly Harns, 96, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, on Sept. 24, 2026. Pat was born May 13, 1930, near Sault Ste. Marie, Mich. 

She attended Marquette University, where she earned her teaching credential. Pat later moved South to marry her high school sweetheart, John H. Harns, in July 1952. This was a secret engagement because at the time John was going through Naval flight training and cadets were not supposed to be married. Pat’s 27-year adventure as a Navy wife began in 1953. They moved every couple of years, crisscrossing the country, living in Florida, Michigan, Ohio, several places in California, Virginia, and Hawaii. During these years, there were times when she was left raising her 4 children while John was at sea for months. She embraced this life with zeal. If it was sunny out, the dishes & dirty clothes were left, and the family went to the boat, swim, or picnic. If there was a spectacular meteor shower, she’d wake up the children to go stand on the dock and watch in awe. As the years passed, Pat also took on responsibilities as a Navy wife. She was incredibly social and skilled at the art of bringing people together. Her talents were extensive in each new place they settled; organizing committees, planning social events, even taking care of and advising younger military wives. 

Once retired, Pat and John would travel the United States visiting their vast web of friends and family in John’s homebuilt aircraft. She was always active, even taking up tap dancing at 65 and golfing at 80 (she loved the outfits). 

Pat’s passion was her art and creativity. She was a talented artist with many of her pieces still with us and scattered around the country. She attended Southwestern College while in San Diego for Art, Fashion Design School in Honolulu, and the University of Idaho for Fine Arts. Pottery became her favorite medium after moving to Post Falls, and she became a founding member of the Spokane Potters Guild, producing countless beautiful figures, cups, bowls, and one-of-a-kind items. 

Pat was preceded in death by her husband of 67 years, John. She is survived by her brother Bill Donnelly and her children: Tom (Cindy); Barb (Steve); Stephen Mark (Suanne); and Mary Jo (Don), her grandchildren: Vanessa (Zack); Zach (Kylie); Forrest (Heather); Rosa (Andrew); Patrick (Kim); Heather (Jake) and great-grandchildren: Sawyer, Lily, Louie, Lola, Leila, Wolfgang, Tawny & Corbin, Pete & Edie Marie, Malia and numerous nieces and nephews. 

She leaves a wonderful and indelible impression on all who knew her. 

The service will be Oct. 23, 2026, at 2 pm at St. Pius X Catholic Church, Coeur d’Alene, Idaho.

English Funeral Chapel has been entrusted with her care.