Lorraine Ann Hartman

Mrs. Lorraine Ann Hartman

The family of Lorraine Ann Hartman of East Penn Township is saddened to announce her passing on Friday, July 28, at the age of 81. She was the loving and devoted wife of Richard R. "Mick" Hartman. They were married for 64 years as of this Sept. 19.

Born in Kresgeville on Nov. 19, 1941, she was a daughter of the late Robert A. and Edith I. (Pfancook) Rudelitch.

Lorraine was the heart of a large, extended family and took great pleasure in being a wife, mother and grandma. In so many ways, she was the "Sun" that those in her universe orbited around. She cherished her many long-lasting relationships with close friends, including Patsy, Sue, Nancy, Charlotte, Gloria, Pat and Marie.

She enjoyed any reason to entertain, and delighted in giving gifts. Her home was her pride and sanctuary - and her door always open to impromptu visits and holiday gatherings.

As a young wife and new mother, Lorraine was a waitress at Kleintop's Diner on Blakeslee Boulevard in Lehighton. After raising her children, she enjoyed working at the Victorian Station Gift Shop in Jim Thorpe, owned by her good friend Dodie. Throughout it all, she was an invaluable partner to her husband's business, RR Hartman Excavating (and later Hartman Contracting with their sons) as bookkeeper, bill collector and so much more.

As the mother of six, she spent a lifetime supporting her children's interests in everything from dance to sports - and reveling in their personal and professional accomplishments well into adulthood.

The birth of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren were a source of immense joy to her and brought a new chapter of purpose to her life through the opportunity to shower them with love and encouragement.

Lorraine was also an avid reader, often swapping books with friends. She was fun-loving and resilient, and remained positive in spite of many years of health challenges. To wit, she very much appreciated "her two Lindas," who lovingly cared for her in recent years.

Her joie de vivre is apparent in the reflections of her granddaughter Rebecca who shared, "You were the strongest woman on the entire planet and you fought for every extra minute you could spend with us on earth. Thank you for giving me your stubbornness, your flair for dramatics, your love of seasonal décor and knickknacks. You taught me true strength and love, as well as the importance of always accessorizing, keeping fresh flowers in your home, and hosting a fantastic dinner party. You taught me how to be brave and persevere, as well as to never be scared of trying a new hairstyle or a new shade of lipstick. I can only hope to carry on the legacy."

Surviving in addition to her husband are a daughter, Lori H. Greeley, of Charleston, S.C.; a daughter, Susan K. Hartman, and her husband, Joseph M. Mutis III, of Germansville; a son, Stephen M., and his wife, Patti L. (Garey) Hartman, of Lehighton; a daughter, Michele H., and her husband, James C. Barclay, of York; a son, Mickey M., and his wife, Kelli A. (Williams) Hartman, of Lehighton; a son, Brent J., and his wife, Heather R. (Sturgis) Hartman, of Lehighton; five grandchildren, Stephanie Rabenold, Amanda Greeley, Christine Bogarde, Rebecca Hartman and Carter Hartman; three great-grandchildren, Grayson and Everett Bogarde and Hannah Lorraine Rabenold; a sister, Deborah J., and sister-in-law, Tonia L. Walck, of Orefield; a sister-in-law, Sharon Bauder of Walnutport; 12 nephews. including Travis Kost and Robert "Robbie" Rudelitch; and three nieces. including Jennifer and Megan Rudelitch.

She was also predeceased by a brother, Robert "Bobby" Rudelitch Jr.; and a son-in-law, David D. Greeley.

Service: A private celebration of life will be arranged at the convenience of the family. Memorial contributions in her honor may be made to the Caring Hearts Clothing Closet and More, 7935 Route 873, Slatington, or The Muscular Dystrophy Association, 161 N. Clark, Chicago, IL. The Schaeffer Funeral Home, Lehighton, is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences can be offered at www.schaefferfunnerals.com.