Harriet Jankowiak

Harriet Jankowiak
Bay City, Michigan
Our beloved mother, grandmother, and great grandmother, was truly an elegant and remarkable woman who always carried herself with grace and style, passed away peacefully at her home on November 9, 2025, at the age of 102.
Harriet was born on August 2, 1923, in Bay City, Michigan, to the late Stanley and Josephine (Tomaszewski) Rasmer. She attended St. Stanislaus Grade School and graduated from Bay City Central High School in 1941. On February 13, 1945, Harriet married the love of her life, Richard Jankowiak, at St. Stanislaus Kostka Church. They shared many wonderful years together before his passing in 1967.
Harriet worked as a financial analyst in the finance department of Chevrolet in Saginaw, where she built a respected career before retiring in 1987. She was a woman of great faith and commitment, a former member of St. Hyacinth Catholic Church, the General Motors Retirees, the St. Mary's Hospital Auxiliary-where she volunteered for over 30 years-the Catholic Study Club, St. Stanislaus Rosary Society, and the League of Catholic Men and Women.
Harriet had many talents and interests that reflected her vibrant spirit. She loved to cook and was known for her delicious homemade donuts, coffee cakes, breads, and holiday cookies. Family dinners were her specialty, and her famous chicken noodle soup with kluski noodles, as well as her comforting czarnina (duck soup), were favorites among loved ones. She enjoyed gardening, especially tending to her roses and tomato plants, and looked forward to playing cards with her many dear friends.
A gifted seamstress, Harriet often made clothing for her sons when they were little and elegant dresses for herself. She also enjoyed knitting and crocheting, sharing her handiwork with family and friends. Always dressed to the nines, Harriet embodied grace and sophistication, both in appearance and in the way she lived her life.
Surviving are her two sons, Rick (Jan) Jankowiak and Tim (Diane) Jankowiak; her grandchildren, David J. (Ellen) Jankowiak Jr., Kerri (Ryan) Moore, Kelly (Chris) Carque, Adam (Naryn) Jankowiak, Justin (Amanda) Jankowiak, Chad (Mia) Jankowiak, and Lainey Jankowiak; and her twelve great-grandchildren, Aidan, Erin, Kevin, Mollie, Emerson, Sunny, Cole, Cassidy, Camryn, Charlie, Blair, and Paisley.
Harriet was predeceased by her husband, Richard; her parents, Stanley and Josephine Rasmer; her son, David R. Jankowiak; and three sisters, Evelyn (Bob) Ratajczak, Eleanor (Ed) Hornak, and Pat (Jerry) Toporski.
Harriet lived her 102 years with purpose, faith, and poise. She was a woman who valued family, tradition, and hard work-and who always did everything with an elegant touch. Her family takes comfort knowing that her beautiful spirit and the many memories she created will live on in their hearts forever.
Harriet's sons and their families would like to thank all the staff at New Hope Bay and Transitions Hospice for being their personal support, guidance and wonderful caregivers over the past several weeks and months. You were all a blessing to our family.
The Funeral Mass for Harriet will be celebrated Saturday, November 15, 2025, at 11:00 AM at Corpus Christi Parish- Holy Trinty Church, 1000 S. Wenona Street, Bay City, MI 48706. Fr. Bob Byrne will celebrate Mass and private interment will be in St. Patrick Cemetery. Family and friends will gather at the church on Saturday, November 15th from 9:30 AM until the time of Mass. Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorial contributions to the American Diabetes Association or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. Final arrangements were entrusted to Ambrose Funeral Home, 1200 Garfield Ave., Bay City, MI 48708. ambrosefuneralchapel.com