Lorraine L. Hartigan

Lorraine L. Hartigan (Babci), age 83, passed away peacefully on December 19, 2025, at Wynn Hospital, Utica, NY. Lorraine was born on June 6, 1942, in Jersey City, New Jersey, the daughter of the late John and Helen (Maluchnik) Malinowski. She was a graduate of Lincoln High School in Jersey City.

In the mid-1960s, Lorraine moved from Jersey City to Herkimer, New York, where many of her family and relatives had settled in the Mohawk Valley.

In 1979, she met the love of her life, Robert Hartigan, and they were married in 1980. They shared a blessed marriage of 44 years until Bob’s passing on May 31, 2025.

Lorraine worked for many years at MDS in East Herkimer and later at H.M. Quackenbush before discovering her true passion in real estate. She enjoyed a successful career of over 20 years, most notably with Bruce Ward Realty in Herkimer.

Lorraine was proud of her Polish heritage and loved listening to polka music and attending festivals. She also had a deep passion for cooking—whether Polish, Italian, or classic American dishes—especially her well-loved chicken riggies. In quieter moments, she found peace crocheting blankets, scarves, and the many hand towels she lovingly gifted to family and friends.

Lorraine was a devoted Catholic, whose faith remained an important and comforting presence throughout her life.

Lorraine is survived by her sons, Joseph (Jay) and Debbie Fylak of Youngsville, NC, and Gregory and Beth Anne Fylak of Hockessin, DE. She was a devoted grandmother to Sarah, Nicholas, and Amanda, with whom she shared an extraordinary bond and loved with all her heart. “Babci” never missed an opportunity to be with her grandchildren whether it was for a school function or while they competed in their love of volleyball, baseball and competitive cheer.

She is also survived by her sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Mary Jane and Gary Vooris; her nieces and nephews Jennifer Hartigan Stutz, Joseph Hartigan Jr., Ryan Vooris, and Meghan Vooris; along with many friends, cousins, and relatives in the Mohawk Valley and New Jersey.

Lorraine was predeceased by her beloved husband, Robert, parents, John and Helen Malinowski; brother, Joseph Malinowski; and brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Joseph and Patricia Hartigan.

The family extends a heartfelt thank you to the exceptional staff of Wynn Hospital, Emergency Room, 3 East ICU and 8 West Floors, for their compassion, dedication, and extraordinary care in making Lorraine as comfortable as possible during her final weeks.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Vincent A. Enea Funeral Services, 527 East Albany Street, (next to Hannaford) Herkimer, NY. Calling hours will be private. A mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, December 30th at 11:00 AM at Holy Family Parish, Little Falls, NY. Burial will take place at Gerald B.H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery in Schuylerville, NY.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, Parkinson’s Disease Foundation, or the Vietnam Veterans of America.

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