Lara Marie Harmon

On Wednesday, July 13, 2022, Lara Marie Harmon, beloved daughter of Gary Ray Harmon and Jacquelyn Lee Mitchell Harmon, and precious sister of Alaina Christine Harmon and Pierce Mitchell Harmon, passed away at the age of 38 in Manassas, Virginia. Lara was born in Torrance, California on September 30, 1983 to Gary R. Harmon and Jacquelyn L. M. Harmon. Lara is survived by her parents, her siblings, Pierce Harmon and Alaina Harmon, maternal grandparents, Don Ramon Mitchell and Margaret Louise Mitchell, her paternal aunt and uncle, Cheryl and Mark Burg, her maternal uncle and aunt, Vincent and Andrea Mitchell, cousins, and other extended family. She is predeceased by her paternal grandparents, Raymond Albert Harmon and Betty Jane Harmon. Also surviving Lara are a family of cherished friends, Patrick and Denise Almazar, and their daughters Jen, Amy, and Becca. A daughter of an Air Force officer and a Registered Nurse, Lara moved frequently throughout her early life, settling in Manassas, Virginia when her father retired. She completed her middle and high school education in Manassas. Lara attended and matriculated from George Mason University with a Bachelor Degree in Theater. From her toddlerhood, Lara loved a good story. She became an accomplished writer. Lara’s senior project was a play that was selected for presentation on stage at the Kennedy Center. Lara went on to hone her wordsmithing skills throughout her adult life. This gift of writing was obvious in her work as she managed the web presence of the American Statistical Society, and then in her contribution to the online world of fantasy fiction. This creativity and craft extended elsewhere in her life. She loved to create art of all kinds—she saw beauty in objects, like the patterns in cicada wings, and the multiform caps of acorns. Lara’s family and friends loved her wit, humor, and quick repartee. Lara was a free spirited and fiercely intelligent person, and she was always the first to speak up about what she felt was right. Her warmth, her kindness, and her loyalty will always be remembered by family and friends. Lara sang, she was always humming and singing—serenading her world with her voice. It is impossible to talk about Lara without talking about her love of animals, particularly cats. Her cats McKinzey, Bron, and Issie were her constant companions. There is no cat that was a stranger to Lara and her love of the feline species is legendary. Please choose a cat sanctuary or Humane Society in your area if you would like to contribute a donation in Lara’s name. She will smile from heaven and rub the kitty on her lap under the chin. We were fortunate to have had the opportunity to live 38 precious years with this exceptional woman.

Lara Marie Harmon

September 30, 1983 - July 13, 2022