Betty Hartmann Obituary

Betty Ann Hartmann, age 81, of Elmira Township, Michigan, died peacefully, December 27, 2024, at the Porches Assisted Living in Gaylord, Michigan. Betty was born November 11, 1943, in Evanston, Illinois, the daughter of the late Leander Burkemper and the late Flora (nee: Reckamp) Burkemper.
As we say goodbye to Betty, we remember a woman who embraced life and was always a joy to be with. Betty will be greatly missed by many, including her husband of 52 years, her 4 children and 5 grandchildren.
She was an elementary school teacher for 40 years, the first 11 of which were as an Adrian Dominican nun. She was a Reading Recovery certified teacher working one-on-one with the students and also in small reading groups. During her time as Principal of Elmira Elementary, she also ran the Reading is Fundamental program (for 25 years!), giving young readers 3 books of their choosing each year. She acquired grants from the government and from local businesses to fund RIF.
Betty served as lector and Eucharistic Minister at St. Mary's for more than 40 years. She was passionate about family, her Catholic faith, gardening, card games, cross-country skiing, and tennis. Betty was always busy living and loving her life. She was also known for her wonderful desserts.
Shortly after retiring from her teaching career in 2011, Betty was diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease. By April of 2023, Covid and Parkinson's put Betty in the hospital, never to return home. We are very grateful for the good care she received at The Porches. Betty had a wonderful ability to make people feel special – a trait she inherited from her father. Betty's legacy of love, laughter, and service will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.
Betty is the beloved wife of Paul Hartmann, and the dear mother of Nathan (Jill) Hartmann, Jason (Elizabeth) Hartmann, Caleb Hartmann, and Leanne Hartmann (Sheraz Sadiq). She is also the cherished grandmother of Nina, Julian, Everett, Xavier, and Flora. Further survivors include her siblings, Virginia (the late Don) Neiweem, Rita (Paul) Meintzer, Nancy (Jesse) Garcia, and the late Doris Kusek, and the late Jim Burkemper.
Visitation for Mrs. Hartmann will be held Thursday, January 2nd, 2025, from 4 pm to 8 pm with an evening Vigil Service at 6:30 pm, at Nelsons Funeral Home, 135 N. Center Avenue in Gaylord, Michigan.
A Mass of the Christian Burial will be held on Friday, January 3, 2025, at St. Mary Cathedral in Gaylord, Michigan. Mrs. Hartmann will lie in-state at 10 am until the time of the Funeral Liturgy at 11 am.
Memorial donations in Betty's name may be made to St. Mary Cathedral and Schools, www.gaylordstmary.org, or The Michael J. Fox Foundation, www.michaeljfox.org
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