Philomena Harrington

Philomena Harrington of Zionsville, IN, passed away on October 19, 2024, at the age of 84. She was born in Frankfort, NY, on July 31, 1940, to parents, Ralph and Helen (Chuff) Ortello. Philomena had a taste for adventure. Upon graduation from Frankfort Central High School, she embarked from her small hometown with just two hundred dollars in her pocket to Manhattan, New York, quickly securing a job and a place to live. She cherished close friendships with her Big Apple roommates for over 65 years. Philomena was a secretary for various companies during her career but her most celebrated roles were those of Wife, Mother, and Nana. 

Philomena married James Harrington on November 17, 1962. They lived all across the country, from New York to Washington state, finally settling in Indiana in 1990. Following Jim’s retirement in 1998, their adventures continued with visits to Italy, Spain, and France, as well as Alaskan and Hawaiian cruises. The pair enjoyed many RV trips across the states, especially to visit family and attend grandkids’ First Communions, sporting events, school performances, and graduations. Philomena and Jim spent 59 wonderful years together, lovingly living their calling, demonstrably raising a close and happy family. She was endlessly proud of their three children and eight grandchildren. 

Philomena loved gardening, cooking, and volunteering. She was a proponent of Rodale’s Organic Gardening long before it was popular. She had a gift for transforming her homegrown produce into the hallmark meals and desserts of every family get-together. A firm believer that, “Food is love,” she lived a masterclass in generosity. A quick-witted spunky conversationalist, countless memories, laughs, and a treasure trove of wisdom were shared at her kitchen table. Philomena was active in Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Catholic Church, serving in the library and food pantry and as an usher with husband Jim for many years. She also volunteered with Habitat for Humanity and The Little Sisters of the Poor. She enjoyed many hours at Primelife Enrichment in Carmel, where she volunteered as a receptionist, served lunch, and participated in many of the activities, her favorite of which was water aerobics. When she wasn’t volunteering, she was reading books, chatting with friends and family, or savoring a warm cup of coffee while playing cards or dominos. 

She is survived by children James R. (Cassandra) Harrington, Jr., Gina M. (Sam) Haskett, Joseph G. (Amy) Harrington, and grandchildren Thomas (Tara) Buehner, Jr., James Harrington, III, Laura (Jonathan) Patton, Bill (Alexa Vercelli) Harrington, Michael (Jennifer Kellogg) Harrington, Miles Harrington, Maxwell Harrington, & Margaret Harrington. 

She was preceded in death by her parents Ralph and Helen, brothers Joseph and Anthony, and husband Jim (2021). Visitation will be held from 2pm until 4pm, Sunday, October 27, 2024, at Flanner Buchanan – Carmel (325 E. Carmel Dr. Carmel, IN). A Funeral Mass will be held at 10am, Monday, October 28, 2024, at Our Lady Mount Carmel Catholic Church (14598 Oak Ridge Rd. Carmel, IN). Burial will be at a later date at Our Lady of Peace Catholic Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to PrimeLife Enrichment, a community of which Jim and Philomena have been a part for nearly two decades. If you choose to donate through the online donation page, please select Memorial/Tribute as the Fund and include a comment specifying your gift is in memory of Philomena Harrington.