Harper, Eileen "Micki"
MADISON - Eileen "Micki" Harper died of multiple myeloma on Thursday, Sept. 14, 2006, at the Ellen and Peter Johnson HospiceCare Residence. Micki was born in Oklahoma City, to Eileen (Kelly) and Ray J. Riordan. She grew up in La Crescent, Minn. and Madison, graduating from Blessed Sacrament Grade School, in 1956 and from Edgewood High School, in 1960. She earned a B.A. in history from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater in 1964. She attended secretarial school in Chicago for a year, then returned to Madison and worked for General Telephone Company from 1965 to 1968.
On June 29, 1968, she married Richard M. "Dick" Harper. She and Dick lived in Whitewater for several years before moving to Madison. She worked for the Wisconsin State Telephone Association from 1975 to 2000, coordinating conventions and managing human resources. She served on the Board of Directors for Nsight Telservices, Northeast Telephone Company, and Cellcom from 1984 until the time of her death.
Micki was active in local anti-abortion organizations throughout her life, serving as president of the local chapter of Wisconsin Citizens Concerned for Life in the early 1970s, and as president of the Dane County chapter of Wisconsin Right to Life at the time of her death. She was also an active member of Blessed Sacrament Parish for more than 30 years, serving terms as president of its Rosary Altar Society and as secretary of its Parish Council among other volunteer activities.
She is survived by her daughter, Elizabeth of Madison; son and daughter-in-law, Michael and Mara, granddaughter, Claire Harper, and an unborn grandchild due in February, of Savage, Minn.; brothers and sisters-in-law, Ray J. Riordan and Phyllis Riordan of Monona, Patrick D. and Karen V. Riordan of Dyckesville, Wis., and Robert H. and Cathy Riordan of Green Bay; nieces Brighid, Colleen, Kate, Kelly, Maria, Maureen, and Meghan Riordan and Phyllis (Eric) Gaukel; nephews, P. Daniel, Ray J., Robert and Timothy Riordan, and Philip, Nicholas, Andrew and Alexander Ribeiro; grandnephews and grandnieces, Owen, Finn and Charlotte; cousins, Ann (Pat) Colbert, Jim (Donna) Deuster and Paul (Lien) Deuster; and many other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her husband, Dick; her parents; and her sister-in-law, Kathleen Riordan.
In addition to her family and friends, Micki loved sharing stories; her cats, Tommy and Tuppence; reading, especially mysteries (she could recommend a mystery to match anyone's interests, and loved spending time at the mystery bookstore Booked for Murder); and doing crossword and jigsaw puzzles. She was a great listener, a loyal friend, and loving wife, mother, grandmother, and sister. We'll miss her wit, infectious laugh, unconditional support and encouragement, warmth, sensible advice, empathy, and thoughtfulness.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, 2131 Rowley Ave., Madison, on Tuesday, Sept. 19, 2006, at 11 a.m. Friends may call from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m. at the JOYCE-RYAN FUNERAL HOME, 5071 Odana Rd, Madison, on Monday, Sept. 18, 2006, and from 10 a.m. until 10:45 a.m. on Tuesday, Sept 19, 2006, at the church. Memorials may be made to Wisconsin Right to Life-Dane County Education Fund, Blessed Sacrament School Endowment Fund or the Wisconsin State Telecommunications Foundation. Joyce-Ryan Funeral Home and Cremation Services 5701 Odana Road (608) 274-1000 www.ryanfuneralservice.com
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