Jeanne W. Harrison

Jeanne Harrison, long time Fairfield resident, passed away peacefully on November 28, 2017. Jeanne was born February 5, 1932 in Pittsburgh, PA to Robert and Dorothy (Parry) Wilson.
She grew up in the Pittsburgh area and married Wayne Harrison in Mount Lebanon, PA on 29 Feb 1952 (Leap Year). They settled in Fairfield in 1968 with their 4 children. Jeanne was committed to preserving Fairfield's Victorian Cottage and other historic locations in Fairfield, as well as serving on the Historic District Commission and the Land Acquisition Commission. Her passion for people and the arts inspired her to lead a variety of arts and crafts programs for children of all ages and her involvement with the Police Athletic League (PAL), YMCA, Fairfield Historical Society, and First Church Congregational.
Jeanne is perhaps best known for her painting of Fairfield fire hydrants in honor of the country's bicentennial in 1976 and Fairfield's 375th anniversary in 2014. In an act of clever retribution, the hydrants were painted to resemble the British Redcoats who burned Fairfield during the Revolutionary War. In 2013, Jeanne was honored as Fairfielder of the year.
Jeanne was preceded in death by her youngest daughter, Terri Jeanne Rotondo. She is survived by her loving husband, Wayne S. Harrison; her brother, Albert Wilson (Nera) of Longwood, FL; her children Wayne S. Harrison, Jr. (Hyun Jung) of Clearwater, FL, Robert Harrison (Mary Ellen) of Colorado Springs, CO, and Beth Perkins of Fairfield; 10 grandchildren, and 4 great grandchildren.
Jeanne will be remembered for her bold creativity and storytelling, love and devotion to her family, friends, and community; and her mantra "Dare to be different." Known about town for her signature smile, warm personality, and paint covered shoes, she will be dearly missed and forever cherished.
Friends are invited to greet Jeanne's family at Spear-Miller Funeral Home in Fairfield, CT on Saturday, December 9th from 3 PM to 7 PM. A celebration of life will also take place at a later date. For information on memorial contributions or to offer an online condolence, please visit www.spearmillerfuneralhome.com