Mary Lou Hartman

Daughter of the late Arthur (1975) and Eloise (2008), she is survived by her 4 sisters; Victoria Burton, Geraldine Pabdani, Nancy Kinsey, Louise Castaneda, her special niece Janet Jones, her 2 brothers; Louis Hartman and Bryant Hartman, her daughter Samantha Hawley and son-in-law Jay Hawley and her 3 grandsons; Ransom Justice, Levi Valor, and Joshua Triumph. Mary was an amazing sister, mother, Mimi, and friend.

Mary was born in Detroit Michigan on February 26, 1956. She graduated from East Catholic High School in 1974 where her passionate artwork won her a scholarship to Michigan State University. Mary instead chose to study nursing at the University of Detroit for a short time.

In 1987, when Mary was 31 years old she decided to drive across the country and move to California for a fresh start at a new life. Her daughter was born in 1988 in San Jose, Californian where Mary lived for the next 32 years. While in San Jose Mary found joy in being a part of many different prayer teams and ministries at her home church, GateWay City Church. Mary was passionate about her relationship with her Lord and Savor Jesus Christ and it was evident to anyone who met her.

Mary’s other passion was her daughter Samantha. Mary was involved in every aspect of Samantha childhood and teen years. Growing up Samantha’s friends would refer to Mary as “the cool mom” because of the fun adventures she would take them on and because of the crazy lengths she would go to to make sure Samantha and her friends had a good time. Being a single mother did not deter Mary from giving her daughter everything she needed in life. Samantha credits her bold confidence and her sense of value to the constant verbal affirmation and loving affection she received from her mother for her entire life.

Mary was a force to be reckoned with. She was passionate, strong, and would always tell you what she thought. She was creative, artistic, and would be the first person to buy you art supplies. Mary was generous, kind, and gave freely to anyone in need. Her smile and laugher could light up a room and her fervent prayers moved mountains. Her life was a beautiful display of the goodness and kindness of God. Mary witnessed miracle after miracle of God’s provision and blessing in her life. She was a “water walker” constantly walking her faith out one step at a time.

In March 2021 Mary moved across the country again, this time to Tennessee, to be closer to her daughter, son-in-law, and her grandsons. While in Tennessee Mary completed a life long goal and graduated Suma Cum Laude from Northern California Bible College and received her Bachelors degree in Biblical Studies.

Mary spent 7 wonderful months playing with her grandsons and helping her daughter with her newborn. “Pizza & Movie Night” became a fun tradition Mary hosted at her house for her family. Friday nights at Mimi’s house were filled with finger paintings, bubbles, cartoons, and laughter. Even tho she was only in Tennessee for 7 months, she made lifelong memories with her family and specifically her grandsons Ransom & Levi. Her love for her family was fierce and unconditional. She was the most incredible “Mimi” and she will be greatly missed.

A private memorial was held on Saturday October 16, 2021 for immediate family and close friends. Mary planned her own memorial before she passed and it was beautiful just like her.