Harriette Smith

Harriette Smith (nee Kryspin), of Minocqua, Wisconsin passed away peacefully on March 2, 2025, at the age of 93 with close family by her side. She was born in Chicago, Illinois, on July 10, 1931.

She married her soulmate, Melvin (Mac) Smith in 1951, with whom she shared 68 years of marriage.

A graduate of St. Constance High School, Harriette pursued higher education at Elmhurst Community College. In 1969, she and Mac embraced a new adventure by moving to Presque Isle, where they owned a small country store for five years. They then moved to Minocqua, where Harriette dedicated herself to a long and fulfilling administrative career at CESA #9.

Harriette was deeply engaged in her community and demonstrated a strong civic spirit. As a proud school board member, she was a driving force behind the creation of the North Lakeland Elementary School, which consolidated three smaller schools to better serve the community's children in 1970.

Harriette was known for her intelligence, wit, and upbeat caring nature. She loved reading, being outdoors, travel and spending time with family and friends.

Retirement included winters in Lake Havasu City, Ariz., golfing with friends, walks along the Colorado River and visits to Las Vegas. She and Mac cherished taking their grandchildren on special trips that created lasting memories.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Melvin Smith; her mother, Mary Kryspin; her father, William Kryspin; and sisters, Eleanor Powell and Bertha Latos. She is survived by her sister, Mary Digilio; her children, Cindy (William) Ross and Larry (Mary) Smith; her grandchildren, Bill (Stephanie) Ross, Kathryn (Seth) Waterson, and Joe (Adrea) Ross; as well as six great grandchildren.

Memorials may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

Per Harriette’s wishes, cremation will take place and private family services will be held at a later date.

Bolger Cremation & Funeral Services is assisting the family, visit www.bolgerfuneral.com to share condolences.