Teri Ann (Houchen) Harris ~ August 4, 1945-April 17, 2015

Born in Santa Monica, CA to Nebraska natives Homer and Margaret Houchen, Teri attended Hamilton High School and 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 Ft. 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 Teri. As Robert built a career as a television producer and entertainment executive, Teri turned her attention to creating a beautiful haven for her family. They lived in Agoura Hills, CA, in a home she designed and built and filled with love and treasures. Teri studied interior design and developed an eye for beautiful decor, particularly antiques.

Teri was known for her generosity and kindness she offered 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 Teri offered was returned ten-fold. Her love of horses became a passion, and it wasn't 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, where Teri lived the life of her dreams, first in 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 Teri's life; reflected in everything she did, even as, in recent years she bravely battled a crippling disease.

Teri's life during her illness was brightened by the devotion of her family, especially her grandchildren, and the warm companionship of friends. She left us with her beloved and devoted Robert by her side, as he'd been for 50 years.

In addition to Robert, Teri will be dearly missed by daughters Julie Sutton, of Woodbury, CT and Angie (Bruno) Paquette, of Laguna Niguel, CA, son Jon, Norwalk, CT., and grandchildren Harrison Sutton, and Jacob, Olivia, and Myles Paquette, and extended family and friends.

Memorials: The family suggests donations be made to Equine Rescue Resource, PO Box 17, Pine Bush, NY 12566 or the charity of your choice.

Cemetery: Newtown Village Cemetery

Location: Munson-Lovetere Woodbury

Funeral: Church Not Applicable

Services: A Calling Hour will be held from 10: 00 A.M. until 11: 00 A.M. on Friday, April 24, 2015 at the Woodbury Funeral Home of Munson-Lovetere, 2 School St., Woodbury, CT and the Funeral Services will follow immediately at 11: 00 A.M. Burial will be held in Newtown Village Cemetery in Newtown, CT following the services.

Visitation: 10: 00 A.M. until 11: 00 A.M. on Friday, April24, 2015 at the Woodbury Funeral Home of Munson-Lovetere.