Teri Ann (Houchen) Harris, 70, of Sandy Hook died April 17 with her beloved and devoted husband Robert by her side, as he had been for 50 years. Born August 4, 1945, in Santa Monica, Calif., she was the daughter of Nebraska natives Margaret and Homer Houchen.

Teri attended San Fernando Valley State College (now CSUN) where she met the love of her life, Robert Harris. They married in 1965 and began their remarkable journey together.

Early in her marriage, Teri was an Army wife, living in Indianapolis and Fort Riley, Kansas. Soon they returned to Los Angeles with baby daughter, Julie. Second daughter, Angie, followed and eventually a son, Jonathan. Home and family was everything to Ms Harris. As her husband built a career as a television producer and entertainment executive, she turned her attention to creating a beautiful haven for her family. They lived in Agoura Hills, Calif., in a home she designed and built, and filled with love and treasures. Ms Harris studied interior design and developed an eye for beautiful decor, particularly antiques. 

She was known for her generosity and kindness, offering her hand to friends and strangers alike, when she saw a need. There were always rescued horses, dogs, cats, and people at home. The affection and security Ms Harris offered was returned ten-fold. 

Her love of horses became a passion, and it was not long before trophies earned on the show hunter circuit decorated her den. When she ran out of room at home for her own treasures, she opened an antique store, Brookwyck Ltd in Agoura Hills, where she used her artistic eye to help others create the same wonderful surroundings that brought her happiness.

In 1994, Teri and Robert moved the family to Connecticut, first to Wilton and eventually Sandy Hook. She cherished the East Coast, enjoying the four seasons and what each represented. Descended from the earliest Virginia colonists, history and family tradition were an integral part of Ms Harris’s life. It was reflected in everything she did, even as in recent years she bravely battled a crippling disease. 

Her life during her illness was brightened by the devotion of her family, especially her grandchildren, and the warm companionship of friends.

In addition to her husband, she will be dearly missed by daughters Julie Sutton of Woodbury and Angie (Bruno) Paquette of Laguna Niguel, Calif.; son Jon of Norwalk; grandchildren Harrison Sutton, and Jacob, Olivia, and Myles Paquette; and extended family and friends. 

Funeral services took place April 24. Burial was in Newtown Village Cemetery in Newtown.

Online condolences may be made to the family at www.munsonloveterefuneralhome.com.

Memorial donations may be made to Equine Rescue Resource, PO Box 17, Pine Bush NY 12566, or the charity of choice.