Grace Harkins

1929-2008

Remembrances

To the family of Grace Harkins - I write for my mother, Loris Toole, who considered Grace one of her good friends and part of the neighborhood lunch group. Mom recalls the many years she and Grace enjoyed celebrating each other's birthdays with special lunch outings. Grace and her family have a special place in our hearts. Margie Fulton

I received word this morning and am saddened to hear of her passing. Mrs. Harkins was my second grade teacher at Meadowlark Elementary School in Billings. I have fond memories of her. Scott Moseman, Lincoln, California.

To Michael and Shawn,

I just heard about your Grandma Grace. I know how much you loved her and I want to tell you how very sorry I am. I truly wish I could wrap my arms around you both and just be there for you. You are, as always, in my thoughts and prayers. I love you both dearly! Love Always, Mom

 

 

Mrs. Grace Harkins passed away Sunday, June 1st, 2008. She was born on December 29, 1929 in Akron, Ohio to Steve and Mary Kozy, the third of ten children. Grace grew up in Akron and graduated a National Honor Society student from Garfield High School. When she was twelve years old she saw the love of her life in Lea's Drugstore. She told her sister she would marry him, and sure enough, at 18, she eventually did. With Mike Harkins, the love of her life, began a romance that lasted over 60 years. She started working at fourteen and became an executive secretary as well as a part time catalogue model while her husband, Mike, furthered his education and taught high school. Mike attributed his success to his wife. Grace was always there for her family. In 1960 the family moved to Billings where Mike was hired to teach and coach basketball at Eastern Montana College. Grace earned 2 Bachelor's and Master's Degrees, all with high honors. She went on to enjoy 19 years of teaching primary grades for the Billings Public Schools. Grace loved her family dearly as they did her. She held a special place in her heart for her friends, co-workers, and students.

Grace is survived by her husband, Mike, of Billings, her son, Mike (Diane) of Billings, her daughter, Patti (Ric McLeod), of Missoula, MT; and her son, Jim, of Beirut, Lebanon. She had 6 grandchildren. Shellee Harkins, of Portland, OR; Jamee (Michael) Barber, of Seattle, W A; Mike and Shawn Harkins, twin grandsons, of Los Angeles, CA. Walker Bolger-Kumm, of Denver, CO. Jessica (John) Kocha, of West Palm Beach, FL. Grace had 4 great-grandchildren. Grace is survived by her siblings, Esther Newman, Jean (Ed) Fender, Jim Kozy, Dave Kozy of Akron, and Judy Anderson of Phoenix, AZ. She was preceded in death by her parents: Steve and Mary Kozy, brother: Steve Kozy, sisters: Evelyn Horvath, Betty McCauley, and Linda Silvio.

To my wife Grace, thank you for giving me the gift of love. To Mom, we'll remember you as the best of mothers. Grandma, you were always there for us when we needed you the most. The family would also like to thank Rocky Mountain Hospice and Diamond Willow Assisted Living for their kindness, care, and generosity.

A celebration of Grace's life is planned in Billings on July 11th. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, to send donations to the Grace Harkins Scholarship Fund for single mothers at Montana State University-Billings, The Business Building, 1500 University Drive, Billings, MT 59101.

 

Dear Coach,

I was sorry to hear of Grace's passing. She was a wonderful women, and you two always seemed to have the fantastic marriage I have always wanted.

My son, Rob, remembers her as his second grade teacher.

I wish you healing, Coach, and the blessings of fond memories.

Sincerely,

Bob Schwarz

Mike & Shawn,

Know that the prayers of all those who love you are with you always. May strength & peace be with you now and forever, Aunt Kim

To the Harkins Family,

My prayers are with you during this sad time. May your hearts be filled with the healing & comfort of God's love, Kim Janshen

Jim and family,

We were so sorry to hear of the passing of your mother. Our thoughts are with you all and our prayers are with you also. May you carry the wonderful memories with you always.

\Gregg and Lynda Labatte

             


 Please leave your name and remembrances in this public guest book so we can share your thoughts with other visitors.

Add Your Remembrances



After your submission is reviewed it will be posted to this page.

 
 

Hit Counter

Heading 3

insert content here