Harriet Patrick

Harriet Lurline Patrick (Fyffe), 81, passed away on March 25, 2023, in Fitchburg, Wisconsin with family at her side. Born June 22, 1941, daughter of Albert Edward and Lurline (Hicks) Fyffe in Flint, Michigan.  Harriet received her BS in Nursing from UW-Madison in 1963.  While attending nursing school, she met the love of her life, Jack Weldon Patrick, a UW Law School student (Class of 1962).  Marrying on August 17, 1963, Harriet was a loving, strong, and giving best friend to her husband for nearly 55 years until he passed away on February 22, 2018.  Together, they moved to Menomonee Falls where they raised their family and served as a visible part of the community for more than 53 years.

Harriet began her career in public health nursing, before taking time off to raise her young family.  She later worked as lead night nurse for a substance abuse in-patient facility, nurse in charge at an assisted living and mental health care facility and as a clinical site study nurse across a variety of novel neurological studies from stroke to brain cancer.  Her career spanned more than 40 years, hallmarked by her empathy for every patient and caregiver. She also loved helping others in her spare time, volunteering for Artreach Milwaukee, Badger Home for the Blind, Emmanuel Community United Methodist Church of Menomonee Falls, the Cub Scouts, and other organizations throughout her life.  Most of all, she loved spending time with her children, and later her grandchildren. Her book clubs and love of reading, passion for music ranging from Elvis to Julie Andrews and above all classical music (especially Beethoven), her Bible studies and Christian faith, deep friendships and hearing her husband laugh made her life rich.  Seeing her children succeed, encouraging them in their pursuit of advanced degrees, and watching her grandchildren grow were her great joys.

She would like to be remembered for her kindness and being “everyone’s cheerleader.”  She is survived by her loving children, daughter Margaret (Steven Haist), and grandchildren William and Sarah, son Bradford (Diana Effio), and grandchild Aliana Patrick Effio, and daughter Deborah (Ryan Wubben), and grandchildren Ella and Lars, her brother Albert Edward Fyffe Jr. and cherished nephews and their children of her late sister Joanna Braun (Fyffe).  She was preceded in death by her “gentle gentleman” husband Jack, her parents, beloved brothers-in-law David Ludaescher and Samuel Certo, and her sister. The family thanks Agrace Hospice for their loving care and support.

A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. on June 11, 2023, at First United Methodist Church, 203 Wisconsin Ave, Madison.

In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorial donations in Harriet’s name to the UW Foundation School of Nursing Annual Fund or Student Emergency Support Fund in support of future nurses ( https://www.supportuw.org/how-to-give/school-college/nursing/ ).

We welcome you to share your memories of Harriet here on her tribute wall.

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