Nellie Baran (September 15, 1914 – August 18, 2008) Nellie Baran, age 93, passed away on Monday, August 18, 2008. Nellie was born September 15, 1914 in Hadley, Massachusetts to Michael and Marianna Wiater. She was the beloved mother of Mary (James) Coughlin, Michele (Skip) Wittler and Michael Baran (Lisa Fohey). Loving and proud grandmother of Megan, Matthew, and Joseph Coughlin, and Meredith Wittler. Nellie is further survived by special friends and caregiving "angels": former husband Walter Baran, his significant other Stella Niemier, devoted neighbor Cynthia Martinez, and Phyllis Gay. She will also be missed by other relatives and many friends, both in the Midwest and western Massachusetts. Nellie is preceded in death by beloved sister Angie and brothers Johnny & Iggy. Nellie will be remembered for her generosity and energy. Her mental sharpness, spunk, and loving nature will be greatly missed by all who knew her. She volunteered at Christ Church, U.C.C., nearly every Sunday for over 40 years and at events for Polanki, the Polish Women's Cultural Club of Milwaukee. Still driving a car into her late 80's, she gave countless rides to friends and acquaintances. Humbly, she seemed to barely grasp the gratitude of those she helped and did it simply "because I can." Nellie always enjoyed working and was especially proud of being both a waitress at the Pfister Hotel and cab driver during WWII. She retired from Milwaukee Public Schools where she worked as a crossing guard and in the school lunch program. Remembered fondly by many alumni of Milwaukee Trade & Technical High School as one of their "lunch ladies." Although strikingly intelligent, difficult circumstances and modest means during childhood prevented her from finishing high school. She took great pride in the college degrees and subsequent accomplishments of each her children. She enjoyed reading, gardening, watching birds, Polish heritage, and crafts. She loved surprising people by remembering their birthdates. She had a voracious appetite for knowledge. A significant adventure, at the age of 80, was her first and only international trip; she attended a Polish language and culture summer course in Lublin, Poland and also toured and visited relatives. Fiercely independent and strong-willed throughout her life, her gratitude for her family and caregiving "angels" who helped her remain living at home in her final years was profound. Her ability to bounce back from serious health problems in the last few years was remarkable. She was and her family remains grateful for the compassionate care provided by the staffs of the ACE (Acute Care for the Elderly) and Inpatient Rehabilitation units at Aurora Sinai Medical Center, the Aurora Geriatrics Institute, especially Sue Simon & Dr. Farol Sims. And, in her final days, the staffs of 3-South (ASMC) and Aurora Zilber VNA Family Hospice. Visitation at the Funeral Home THURSDAY, August 21, 2008 from 5-8 PM. Visitation also Friday from 9 AM – 10 AM at CHRIST CHURCH U.C.C., 915 E. Oklahoma Ave. Funeral Services at 10 AM. (PLEASE NOTE CHANGE OF FUNERAL SERVICE LOCATION) Private entombment St. Adalbert Cemetery. Nellie was a member of Christ Church U.C.C. and Polanki. If desired, memorials in her name may be made to Christ Church U.C.C., Interfaith Older Adults Programs, or St. Anne Center for Intergenerational Care. PRASSER-KLECZKA BAY VIEW CHAPEL 3275 So. Howell Ave. 414-483-2322