Harriet C. Wysokinski, age 96, passed away peacefully on Friday, January 9, 2026, at her daughter’s home in Watchung, New Jersey.

She was born on June 18, 1929, in Bayonne, New Jersey, to Polish immigrant parents, Antoni and Genowefa Ruchalski, who instilled in her a deep faith, strong work ethic, and pride in her Polish heritage. Harriet was born and raised in Bayonne, where she spent most of her life, and for the past 20 years resided in Rahway, New Jersey.

She was a graduate of Bayonne High School and went on to work for New Jersey Bell, later known as Bell Atlantic, as a dispatcher in Jersey City, where she was employed for 23 years.

Harriet was a lifelong parishioner of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church in Bayonne, and her Catholic faith was central to her life. She loved to sing and once recorded “O Holy Night” for the phone company, a memory her family cherished. She was an avid reader and a gifted cook and baker, well known for her apple pies and traditional Polish dishes, including pierogi and stuffed cabbage, gołąbki.

She was especially proud of her Polish roots and faithfully observed Wigilia, the traditional Polish Christmas Eve celebration, which held deep meaning for her and her family. Christmas Eve was the most important night of the holiday season in her home, marked by prayer, family gatherings, and traditions passed down from her parents. Stories were fondly shared of staying up until midnight, when kielbasa was served, and the holiday was joyfully welcomed with faith at its center.

Harriet approached each year of her life with grace and appreciation, and reaching her 90th birthday was a milestone she truly celebrated. She remained grateful for the years that followed, a quiet testament to a life well lived and deeply cherished.

She was predeceased by her loving husband, Edward F. Wysokinski, in 2005.

Harriet is survived by her loving daughter Diane Dawicki and her husband Robert, and her son Richard Wysokinski and his wife Donna. She is also survived by her six cherished grandchildren: Lauren Dawicki and her husband Michael Gordon, Erica Baczkowski and her husband GerardBaczkowski, Lindsay Dawicki and her husband William Yackabonis, Jessica Devennie and her husband Stephen Devennie, Matthew Wysokinski and his wife RebeccaWysokinski, and Brad Wysokinski. She was the proud great-grandmother of Anthony, Madyson, Milana, James, Slone, Vivian, and Wade.

She is also survived by her beloved siblings, Cecilia Gerdowski and Marion Scocca.

Harriet will be remembered for her devotion to her family, her faith, her traditions, and the warmth she brought to every holiday gathering.