Obituary of Sandra L. Harkness

Age 87, passed away at home on Saturday, March 1, 2025, surrounded by her loving family.  Sandy was born in Elmira, daughter of the late Edward M. Liddy and Leonore Schweppe Liddy.  She was predeceased by her husband of 58 years VanEtten E. “Jim” Harkness, stepmother Irma Liddy, brothers, Max and Fred Brinthaupt, twin brother Marty Liddy and his wife Sandy, son-in-law Richard Barnes, sister-in-law Shirley Brown.  Sandy is survived by her children, Kim M. Harkness, Timothy J. Harkness, Kelly M. Adams, Kristine M. Barnes, Elizabeth “Biz” Crout (Tom), Amy M. Harkness and Laura A. Henry (Mark); grandchildren, Brian Harkness (Mari), Jeffrey Adams (Brittany Orlousky), Stephanie Kirsche (Justin), Kathleen Adams (fiancé Spencer Flaherty), Kimberly Adams, Brian Powell (Mandy), Tara Girardi, Caitlyn Disbrow (Joseph), Shawn Crout, Bailey O’Rourke (Kristyn) and Erin Henry; along with 18 great-grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews.

Sandy was a 1955 graduate of Elmira Free Academy.  In 1956 she and Jim were married at St. Anthony’s Church in Elmira.  After raising her 7 children Sandy went to work as the Social Ministry Coordinator at St. Mary’s Church, where she had been a long-time communicant.  Among her duties was running the Christmas Basket program for many years. Sandy was the coach of St. Mary’s Grammar School girl’s kickball team for several years.  She was a long-time active member of the Ladies Division of the Ancient Order of Hibernians, and the Ladies of Charity.  Sandy enjoyed trips to the casinos in Atlantic City and later to Tioga Downs. 

Family and friends are invited to McInerny Funeral Home, 502 West Water Street, Elmira, on Wednesday, March 5, 2025, from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.  A prayer service will be held at the funeral home on Thursday, March 6, 2025, at 9:15 a.m., followed by a 10:00 a.m. Mass of Christian Burial at St. Mary’s Church, 224 Franklin St., Elmira.  A live stream of the Mass will be available through the Facebook page for Most Holy Name of Jesus Parish (https://www.facebook.com/ElmiraCatholic).  Committal prayers and interment to follow at St. Peter & Paul’s Cemetery. 

Those wishing may remember Sandy with a donation to Catholic Charities of Chemung Schuyler, 215 East Church St., Elmira NY 14901.

The Harkness family would like to extend their sincere thanks to Sandy’s longtime caregivers, Alajha Nelson and Tammy Powell and to CareFirst Hospice for their support in Sandy’s last few weeks.

Officers and members of the Ladies Division of the AOH will meet at 5:45 p.m. at the funeral home on Wednesday, March 5^th, to conduct a service for our departed sister, Sandy.  Signed, Mary Bernadette Ryan, President