Harrie, who was studying engineering at Liverpool University, met Ali (or Aki) Hafez, an Egyptian. They married and went to live in Cairo. When Ali died having a tooth out Harrie returned to Liverpool with their daughter Liela. Ali's family followed her in an attempt to get custody of Liela. Harrie was living in Liverpool during World War II and because she had married an Egyptian she was declared an alien and had to report to the police station every day. During W.W.II Harrie was in the Woman's Royal Air Force.

Her second marriage was to Norman Birch with whom she had a son, David. They lived in The Cottage, which was owned by Mimi and George and situated just around the corner from 'Mendips.' When her sister, Julia Lennon, died Julia's two daughters came to live with Harrie's family. The house was too small for this extended family and in 1968 John bought and paid for a new house and its furnishings.

When John Lennon visited Harrie in 1964, she revealed to him that he had a half sister, Victoria, who had been adopted. John attempted to trace Victoria, but without success.