Elizabeth Dorene Harris

Elizabeth D. Harris (previously Bryan), 94, of Belvidere, IL, passed away peacefully surrounded by the love of her family, Tuesday, July 29th 2025. She was born on September 5th 1930 in Aberdeen, South Dakota and affectionately raised by her mother, Anne (Rose) Philbrook. Eventually her family relocated to Illinois and settled in the Belvidere area. Elizabeth attended school and even continued her education with college courses in radiology. She joined the workforce as a toll worker on the Illinois tollways and was the first female to ever hold that position. In 1951 she married Norman Bryan. They went on to start a family and together raised four wonderful children. After splitting with her first husband, Elizabeth found love again and married Edward Harris in 1988 in Rockton.

Elizabeth had a lifelong love of the water. She worked as a lifeguard in her youth in Freeport, IL. Even as a senior, she wore her bathing suit daily and swam in her pool every day that weather permitted. She also enjoyed spending summer days on the pontoon boat. She could often be found landscaping her yard or working in the garden. Elizabeth always drove her convertible and would be seen toodling around the area, enjoying the wind in her hair.

Elizabeth will be dearly missed by her surviving children Kurt, Kenlyn (Odie) and Kris; daughter-in-law, Tammy; grandchildren Brent (Bre), Bryan (Cathy) Turnipseed, Brandon (Danielle) and Karri (David); and great grandchildren Oliver, Jaxson, Aubrey, Sammie, Otto and Aliyah; brother, Robert Philbrook and family.

She was proceeded in death by her mother; her husband, Edward Harris; her first husband, Norman Bryan; son, Kraig Bryan; son-in-law, Jim Turnipseed; daughter-in-law, Gail Bryan; and great grandbaby Gabriel; sister-in-law, Betty Philbrook.

Elizabeth’s family invites you to come say farewell (or as Elizabeth liked to put it, “Toodles”). There will be a visitation Friday, August 8th, 2025, from 9:30 A.M. to 11:30 A.M. with a service to immediately follow at the Belvidere Funeral Home & Cremation Service in Belvidere, IL. A private graveside service will follow. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be given directly to the family. Condolences can be shared with the family at www.belviderefh.com.