Jadwiga "Harriet' "Jadzia" Michelus

Jadwiga “Harriet” “Jadzia” Michelus Age 80, of Greendale, WI found peace on July 14, 2021 surrounded by her loving family. She was born to the late Sabina Robak and Teofil Michelus in Gogolin (Grudziadz) Poland. She is welcomed to her heavenly home by her parents and sisters, Danka, Bascia, and Bozena. She is survived by her brother Tadek in Poland and her three children, Irene Welz, Thomas Welz, and Maria Welz (Al Brauer). Cherished “Mini-Grandma” is further survived by three grandsons and their beloved partners; Ricky & Katie Spenner, Justin Spenner & Kelly Turpin, Dominic & Chloe Spenner as well as grandchildren Mellissa (Jose), Tracy, Jonathan and Christopher. She is further survived by 4 great grandchildren. She also has many close friends and relatives in Poland and here in the US. Jadwiga was raised on a small family farm and lived through the difficulties of WWII in her homeland. She had an adventurous spirit in her youth and looked forward to a new life, arriving in the United States as a young bride. Jadwiga attended English classes, enrolled in driving school, and obtained US citizenship all while caring for her three young children. She was known for her dedicated work ethic and enjoyed her time working at Ellen’s and Meurer’s Bakery shops. Friendships were formed while at Amalia’s Drapery and Alexander’s Restaurant. Harriet’s notoriety as pleasant, caring, and hard-working was perhaps most evident during her 20 dedicated years of service at St. Luke’s Coffee Shop, where she brightened the days of families and hospital staff alike. It is fitting that her final hours were in the care of a sensitive, caring staff at Aurora St. Luke Hospital. Jadwiga easily befriended people and she will be missed by all. She believed in always helping others. She found joy in feeding people, and often cooked a meal for them. She was never shy about sharing her recipes. In her younger years she enjoyed polka dancing especially at Polish Fest and parish festivals. She was a long time, proud homeowner and she was treasured by her West Allis neighbors. In her retirement, Jadwiga enjoyed spending time as a pet sitter and she cared for numerous animals, ranging from her beloved cat Herman Joe, to befriending countless neighborhood doggies, to her time at Brookfield Kennels. She will be missed by her “grand fur babies” (Mousie, Percy, Motley, Kit and Nova). A vivid storyteller, she was so proud of “the boys,” her grandsons, and her sharing of stories from their childhood were as clear as the day they happened. Her most recent precious moments were the special visits from her great grandson, “Prince” Henry. Her enjoyment was collecting mementos of pastimes with her grandchildren be it garden rocks or Beanie Babies. A celebration of Jadzia's life will be held on Wednesday, August 25, 2021 at St. Helen Church- St. John Paul II Parish, 3329 S. 10th St., Milwaukee. Visitation will be at the church at 9:30AM followed by a Funeral Mass at 10:30AM. She would want everyone to eat so lunch will follow. Private Inurnment at Chapel of Hope, St. Adalbert Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, charitable donations can be made to Susan G. Komen or a charity of your choice. Our loving mother, adoring Mini-Grandma, and devoted friend to many…she was quite a lady! We’ll meet one day in heaven and never be apart.