Harriet Elizabeth Lazinski

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Harriet Elizabeth
Lazinski

Although she accomplished so much of which to be proud, Harriet Lazinski was a humble and gracious woman who lived a rich and rewarding life filled with the people and things she loved.

The 1930s were some of the most trying days we have faced as a nation as the entire decade was cloaked in the hardship of the Great Depression. With a soaring unemployment rate jobs became scarce, and those who did have work lived in fear that they could soon fall victim to the harsh realities of the time. It was during this eventful time that a young couple from LaCrosse, Wisconsin, was pleased to announce the birth of their healthy baby girl on July 26, 1932. Harriet Elizabeth was one of three daughters born to her parents, Carl P. and Mary Gertrude (LaVaque) Galligan, and she was raised in the family home alongside her sisters, Mary and Carol. She was a student at local schools, graduating from high school.

A firm believer in education, Harriet continued educating herself, earning a four year nursing degree and graduating as a registered nurse. Harriet went on to Marquette University in Milwaukee and completed her Masters Degree in Nursing.

With her education behind her, Harriet was poised for a rewarding career. She was with the University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee, (UW-Milwaukee) School of Nursing from its origin. She retired as Associate Dean of Nursing at UW-Milwaukee.

In her time away from work, Harriet fully embraced both the peaks and valleys that came her way. She met and later married William Lazinski with whom she shared the majority of her life. In her leisure time, one of the things Harriet loved doing most was heading out for a game of golf. Although she was deeply saddened with Bill’s death on April 27, 1994.

With timeless wisdom, Harriet Lazinski made a significant impact in the world around her. She lived life to the fullest while holding her loved ones near. Harriet will be deeply missed and forever treasured by those who were blessed to know and love her.

Harriet E. Lazinski died on January 10, 2014. Harriet’s family includes her siblings, Mary Mickel and Carol (Jerry) Starling; nieces and nephews, Mary (Simon) Poole, Laura (Tim) Miller, Melissa Hogan, Joanne (Chester) Horber, Bob Starling and, Jim (Elisa) Starling; 13 great-nieces and great-nephews, other relatives and friends. Family and friends will gather at Holy Family Catholic Church, 4810 N. Marlborough Dr., Whitefish Bay on Thursday, January 16 from 9:30 a.m. until the time of the Memorial Mass at 10:30 a.m. Inurnment, Resurrection Cemetery. Memorials to Holy Family Catholic Church, the Harriet Lazinski Nursing Scholarship Fund or the charity of your choice, appreciated. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com where you can leave a memory or sign the online guestbook. Arrangements provided by Suminski LifeStory Funeral Home, Suminski / Weiss (414) 276-5122.

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Past Comments

Dick and Bonnie Hirn

We have known Harriet for a number of years because of our friendship with her sister, Carol, who lives next door to us. When our childrren were young, they looked forward to Harriet’s visits almost as much as her niece and nephews. She was alwqys very respectful and interested in everyone’s lives.

When we visited Wisconsin we always visited Harriet and were recieved with open arms. She and Bill were wonderful hosts.

Harriet’s kindness and wonderful sense of humor will always be remembered. She made an impace here on earth and will not be forgotten.

Laurie Miller

We are so sad about Aunt Harriet’s passing. We have so many wonderful memories of her as a fun and caring aunt. It was so much fun to talk with her good friends this week who knew her so well and shared such great memories with us. I don’t remember her as much as an accomplished professor and Associate Dean, or avid card player, but just as Aunt Harriet, who embraced that role as well. She never missed ANY of the my or my sister’s events: she and Uncle Bill attended every First Communion, eighth grade, high school, and college graduation, birthday, wedding, and every other important event in my family. We enjoyed her wonderful cooking and delicious hors d’oeurvres at holidays. Those are fond memories, but my favorite memories of Aunt Harriet happened when she would stay overnight with us. Aunt Harriet’s sense of humor would shine through, and we would laugh together for hours in the evening, and beg her to stay up later. I remember asking her about what college was like when she attended, and she laughed as she shared this story of a rebellious event from college: They had a “lights out” time each weeknight, and there was a nun who walked the halls, checking for light under the doors. One night, Aunt Harriet and some of her friends gathered in one room, and after the nun walked past the room, quietly opened the door and rolled an orange down the hallway, and the nun never figured out who had done it! Not only did the story make us laugh (though honestly we did not quite see how rolling an orange was that big of a deal), but seeing Aunt Harriet laugh so hard she could barely talk as she recalled a moment of “naughtiness” still makes me laugh till my eyes water.

More recently, our family thoroughly enjoyed our visits to Aunt Harriet at East Castle, and we are so happy that she had such a nice place with wonderful friends to spend her retirement. We feel so fortunate to have had her in our lives, and we know so many others felt the same.

Susan Stehling

I didn’t know Harriet well or for long, but I always very much enjoyed her company when she became my father’s companion late in his life. She was such a calm and kind presence, and she was always a joy to be around when she visited us at our Door County cottage. I live in Minnesota, so I wasn’t able to attend her funeral, but it’s been fun to read some of the stories about the rest of her life here.

Joanne Horber

I have so many fond memories of Aunt Harriet. As a child, it was so much fun to stay at their house, go to the movies, and eat frozen custard. She always had delicious treats for us to eat (cookies, brownies, and meringues were my favorite). I am so happy that I was able to attend her 80th birthday party and celebrate! I enjoyed meeting all of her friends and spending time together. She was a wonderful aunt and will be missed immensely, but never forgotten.

Shari Snyder

I was privileged to meet Harriet on one of her several visits to Colorado to be with her sister, Carol, and family. She was such a neat lady with a great sense of humor and such a loving manner. She was a special person. She will be greatly missed.