Lucille Harris
June 24, 1929 - December 21, 2016
Obituary
MADISON-Lucille Harris was born June 24, 1929, the only child of Werner and Mathilda “Tillie” (Roder) Richard, on the Topper farm near Blue Mounds, Wisconsin. She died December 21, 2016. Lucy attended the one-room Lukken School until fourth grade, then attended Mount Horeb Grade School until her freshman year. She moved to Brooklyn, where her parents still farmed, and attended Brooklyn High School until her senior year. She then transferred to Oregon High School and graduated.
After high school, she was encouraged by Oregon physician Dr. Ted Joyner to attend Madison General Hospital Nursing School (now Meriter Park). She graduated in 1950.
For 44 years, Lucy worked as an R.N. in newborn nursery, mental health hospitals, nursing homes, and with developmentally disabled individuals in Wisconsin and Arizona. She enjoyed giving direct patient care, especially with geriatric persons.
While working full time she raised five children: Allen Behn, Betty McIlwee, Robert (Cathy) Behn, John Neis and Mary (Harry) Quinsler, all of whom survive her.
Lucy is survived also by eight grandchildren: James (Addie) Behn, Joseph (Kristina) Behn, Christopher (Kerry Pedersen) Ziegler, Heather Crawford, Joshua Behn. Greg Quinsler, Grant Quinsler, and Joseph Neis.
Lucy adored her great-grandchildren, Jack and Luke Behn, Mychelynn Crawford, and Kennedy Behn.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Werner and Tillie Richard; husband, Joseph Neis; granddaughter, Colleena Ziegler; and son-in-law, Michael McIlwee.
She was proud of her Swiss heritage and of being able to take a trip to Switzerland to see the land where her father and grandparents originated.
She requested “No Services, Please” but a Celebration of Life will be held June 24, 2017 in Madison.
Any memorials may be made to the Ida A. Collings Scholarship fund for ongoing nursing education at the Madison General Hospital School of Nursing Alumni Association at 1010 Mound Street in Madison.
The sincerest thank you for the staff at Oak Park Nursing Home, Madison. She enjoyed her stay and their high level of care. But mostly she enjoyed their friendship. To any of the nursing students she has had over the years, she wanted each of you to know that nursing truly is a wonderful. rewarding profession.
Ryan Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.
To view and sign this guestbook, please visit: www.ryanfuneralservice.com