Barbara Andrulis Hartwell

Barbara A. Hartwell, 79, of Alamogordo N.M., passed away January 24th, 2026. She went peacefully to her lord and maker with her son Bobby by her side.

She was born December 13th, 1946, in Derby, CT. She grew up in Beacon Falls, CT., and was one of six children. She graduated from Naugatuck High School in 1964, then went on to nursing school. There she found her calling as a caregiver and graduated from The William W. Backup School of Nursing in 1967, when she began her career as a registered nurse.

As the wife of a serviceman, she served people in several states. Her final stop was Alamogordo, New Mexico where she first worked in home health care, and then at the New Mexico School for The Blind and Visually Impaired, from which she retired. All along the way she was touched by the people under her care.

New Mexico was truly "the land of enchantment" for Barbara. She loved her little piece of heaven in Alamogordo. Tending to her fruit trees and other plants and flowers in her yard, watching the hummingbirds, and enjoying the sun were just some of the joys in her life. She was fond of all things "southwest”, from its weather to its style.

Barbara was a very religious woman, albeit non-denominational, she loved her Lord. She loved animals too, and was especially fond of Scottish terriers, which for a time she bred and raised. She was an avid reader, for enjoyment and to increase her knowledge of religion and health.

Barbara is survived by her son Robert K. Hartwell, whom she often referred to as the "light of her life" his wife Michelle, and their two children, Autumn and Teagan Gardner; her long-separated husband Robert D. Hartwell; her sister Linda Dinkle; brother Bobby Martin; brother-in-law Bill Hartwell and wife Jackie; sisters-in law Nancy Geron, Holly and her husband Gary Butterfield, Bonnie Thames, and Betsy and her husband Barry Gore; and numerous nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her parents; and sisters Sylvia Tiano and Jean Polasko; and brother Emil Martin.

Along the way Barbara was blessed with many great people and friends around her. Judith Renmoe and George Atencio were particularly important in her later days. Judith was her best friend and called every day, and in Barbara's last years, Judith let her foster her beloved dog, Daisy. George was her neighbor and much needed friend tending to some of the things that she couldn't in her final days.

There are no plans for a funeral service at this time. In memory of Barbara, the family would like you to consider making a donation to your local animal shelter.