Lis M. Haggett, woman of grace

Lis M. Haggett, 85, beloved mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, passed away Monday, Sept. 2, 2024, at her home. Lis was cherished for her vibrant and welcoming personality, always making those around her feel loved.

Lis learned that she had cancer in May 2024 and faced her diagnosis with the grace and positivity which defined her throughout her life.

She was born July 13, 1939, in Copenhagen, Denmark, to Vita and Thormod Frederiksen. She came to the U.S. when she was 18 in 1957. She lived in New Orleans for a short time but eventually moved to Washington. D.C., where in 1961, she met her first husband, Eugene “Gene” Gilbert.

Lis and Gene raised their family in Lanham, Md. She was a homemaker while her children were young and then became a nanny. She also dedicated many years to the Hecht Company as a display manager. 

Her passion for gardening filled both her home and her community with beauty and life, reflecting her nurturing nature.  

After Gene passed away in 1988, Lis met her second love, Robert “Bob” Haggett, at a fundraiser. They moved to Lewes in 1999, where Lis shared her flair for hosting and aesthetics as a host and decorator at Rehoboth Beach Country Club for many years.

Growth and personal development were important to Lis; she enjoyed work through Landmark Education and Couples Coaching Couples. Bob was a minister, and Lis and Bob made a great team coaching couples and performing weddings for over 15 years. Lis and Bob were also founding members of Unity Spiritual Center of Coastal Delaware. She was very active in the Oneness movement and practiced meditation daily.

She is survived by her children, John Gilbert and his wife Bonnie, Jennifer Bauer, and Jeffrey Gilbert and his wife Ana; stepchildren, Robb Haggett and Krista Noelle; grandchildren, Jaya, Matthew, Eli and Aiden; cousin, Kim Parly; and brother, John Frederiksen.

Lis was preceded in death by her parents; her first husband, Eugene “Gene” Gilbert; and second husband, Robert “Bob” Haggett.