Louise L Hartnett

Louise L. Hartnett, 91, passed away peacefully on March 26, 2025, at her home in Chatham, MA, with her beloved husband Tom by her side. Louise was born in Shediac, Canada, in 1933 and moved to Cambridge, Massachusetts, in 1944, graduating from Cambridge High and Latin. It was in Cambridge that she met Tom. They married in 1955 and raised their four children across three states, moving as Tom’s career grew.

An avid reader and a lifelong learner, Louise pursued her college degree while her children were young and graduated with a degree in Political Science from Keene University. During this time, while living in Virginia, Louise became active in the civil rights movement. Her interests in human rights continued throughout her life, and she remained an engaged, informed, and proud Democrat. After graduating college, Louise enjoyed her work at the Plainfield Public Library in New Jersey and then at Boston University as a Department Administrator.

Louise was an avid supporter and volunteer at Rosie’s Place in Boston. When she and Tom retired to Chatham in 1994, she continued to donate her time by faithfully delivering Meals on Wheels in Chatham for over ten years. Louise was also active in the Cape Cod Hospital Auxiliary, the Chatham Women’s Club, and the Chatham Garden Club. In her leisure time, Louise enjoyed gardening, walking, casual golfing, playing bridge, solving the New York Times crossword puzzle, and making her annual visits to Barnicle Billy’s in Ogunquit, Maine. Louise relished her years in Chatham and all the special times she shared with the dear friends she and Tom made. She looked forward to visits from her family and watching her grandchildren and great-grandchildren grow. During this past year, Louise especially enjoyed viewing the sunsets with her husband at Harding’s Beach.

Louise was predeceased by her cherished sister, Lucy, and her beloved grandson, John. She is survived by her devoted husband, Tom, and their loving children, Tom and his wife, Shelley, Ellen and her husband, Zafer, Dan and his wife, Mary, and Stephen and his wife, Kristin. Louise was the adored Grandmother of Alexandra, TJ, John, Magen, Christopher, Julian, and Allison. Her great-grandchildren, Eliza, Izabel, and Nathan, also lit up her world.

Louise was a gentlewoman: kind, steadfast, and true to her family and friends and her memory will forever be cherished by all those who knew and loved her.

A private celebration of life will be held at a later date.

As Louise was a parishioner at Saint Cecilia’s Church in Boston and avidly supported Father John Unni please kindly consider a donation to Saint Cecilia Parish, 18 Belvidere Street, Boston, MA 02115