Josie D. Hartmann

Josie Diane Hartmann Passed away November 1, 2011. Born November 9, 1921, she was looking forward to spending her 90th birthday with her entire family. Instead, she will be celebrating her day reunited with her beloved husband, Bert, who passed away November 8, 2006. Josie was born in Copenhagen, Denmark but moved to Switzerland when she was five months old. She had a very difficult childhood, being orphaned at the age of four. As a young adult Josie, went to work in the hospitality industry and enjoyed traveling in Europe with her close friends. While in Switzerland, Josie became friendly with the Swiss Minister's family. When the family moved to Washington, D.C., in 1952. Josie accompanied them to oversee the household. During that stay, Josie had a diplomatic visa; when her time serving the family was completed, she traveled to Canada to await the completion of her immigration. When her paperwork came through, Josie traveled to see family living in Washington State and San Francisco. While visiting her cousin in San Francisco, they attended a Swiss dance, where Josie met her future husband. For Bert it was "love at first sight." They were married September 12, 1953, and lived in San Rafael where they raised their family, Bert, Heidi and Eric. Josie was dearly loved by all who knew her. She was a loving mother who made a warm, welcoming home with a meager allowance. Always gracious and inviting, she loved people and loved to entertain company. She was a legendary cook-as many friends and family will attest to. She kept an impeccably clean home and loved to garden. Josie was an amazing seamstress, sewing her own clothes and mending "everything." She enjoyed arts and crafts and had quite a sense of whimsy and imagination, making many creative things. Josie was selfless. She never wanted to burden anyone and took great pleasure in doing things for others. She volunteered for many organizations and schools during her life and especially loved being a volunteer with the Marin Art and Garden Center. Josie was always active. She disliked sitting still. In fact, in her 80's she would still participate in the Marin County 3K Human Race and come in 1st place for her age group. Josie suffered from severe macular degeneration and was blind except for very limited blurry peripheral vision. She didn't let that deter her. In fact, many people never realized how severe it was. She always kept a positive attitude and never complained. She took care to dress beautifully every day, wearing her trademark pearls. Josie never had a bad word about anyone. She was a true testament to love, commitment and friendship. She was always so grateful for everyone and everything. Josie treasured her family and always felt so very blessed. Her family feels a tremendous sense of loss yet is grateful for her long life and will dearly miss their mom, grandmother, and great grandmother. She was a loving gracious woman, full of grace and she was deeply loved. Josie is survived by: Son Bert Hartmann, his wife Trina and daughter Anna of Windsor, California. Daughter Heidi Gunsul, her husband David and their children: Sons Matt (wife May, their daughter Westyn), Tony (wife Kelly, their daughter Brooklyn), and son Andrew, and daughter Lainie all of Portland, Oregon. Son Eric Hartmann, his wife Sandra and daughters Alicia and Andrea of Novato, California. Josie is also survived by cousins, nieces and nephews both in Switzerland and America. Funeral service will be held Friday, November 11, 2011 at 11:00 AM at St. Raphaels Church in San Rafael. Viewing: 10:30-11:00 AM. Memorial reception to follow at Embassy Suites in San Rafael. There will be a private burial on Saturday. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Earl Baum Center for the Blind in Santa Rosa or the charity of your choice .

Arrangements under the direction of Keaton's Mortuary, San Rafael, CA.