Obituary: Grace Elinor (Batker) Harrington - Class of 1944

MADISON - Grace Elinor Harrington, age 81, passed away on Tuesday, Jan. 30, 2007, after a long illness. She fought a courageous battle. She was born on Jan. 2, 1926, in Verona to Edward and Bertha (Gessler) Batker. She attended grade school thru 4th grade, then the family moved to Madison. She graduated from Madison Central High School in 1944, where she was a high honor roll student, winning many school honors and music awards. She attended UW-Madison for three years and on Dec. 20, 1947, she married classmate Richard Harrington. Together they raised four children. Grace worked for Madison Newspapers for 10 years and 16 years as an educational assistant at Madison East High School. Grace is survived by her loving husband of 59 years, Richard "Dick" Harrington of Madison; and four children, Jacqueline (Gary) Rockweiler of Verona, June (Mike) Goglio of Madison, Michael (Laura) Harrington of Madison, and Patrick (Julie) Harrington of Madison. She loved all her grandchildren, Renee (Rich) Wilson, Danielle (Russel) Larson, Joshua and Frances Goglio, Nicholas and Jeff Harrington, Jenna and Jayci Harrington. She was also blessed with two great-grandchildren, Annika and Ethan Larson. Grace is also survived by her brother, Ken (Nell) Batker and their children, David, John and Carol; her sister-in-law, Mary Loshek; and nieces, Janice, Sharon and Joan. She was preceded in death by her parents; brother-in-law, Robert Loshek; and in-laws, Leo and Frances Harrington. In keeping in with Grace's wishes, a private funeral and visitation will be held. Chaplain Stephen Zwettler will be officiating. Private entombment will be held at Resurrection Cemetery. The family wishes to thank the staffs at Oak Park, Belmont and Home HospiceCare for all the care they have given to Grace. Ryan Funeral Home and Cremation Services 2418 N. Sherman Ave. (608) 249-8257

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on February 1, 2007