Obituaries

It is with profound sadness and heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Susan (Sue) Hartman on April 1, 2025.

 

Susan was an only child, born and raised in South Bend, Indiana. She cherished the memories of summers spent with her cousins at Diamond Lake and with her father’s family at Lake Michigan. A proud graduate of St. Joseph’s High School, Susan went on to earn her Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing from Indiana University. She made history as the first woman in her family to achieve a college degree. Susan’s passion for nursing began with her work in Labor and Delivery, later transitioning to school nursing after having children of her own.

After moving to New Jersey, Sue worked as a school nurse at Harbor School, where she formed lifelong friendships with five incredible women—Trish, Eileen, Suzanne, Susie, and Christine. The group began an annual girls’ trip tradition, starting with rustic camping but evolving into relaxing beach house stays, wine, and Twizzlers. The group established another tradition with a  “priceless” dolphin statue.  The dolphin was part of many of their adventures, traveling to Vegas, award dinners, gift auctions, and birthday parties as a symbol of their bond and important moments in each other’s lives with a touch of humor.

 

After Harbor School, Sue continued her nursing career at Eatontown Memorial School, where she served as school nurse until her retirement in 2020. Over her 25-year career, Sue built meaningful relationships with staff, students, and administration, leaving an indelible mark on the school community.  Despite the hectic nature of middle school, Sue always remained calm, positive and greeted you with a smile.

Sue’s greatest pride and joy was her role as a mother and grandmother. She loved spending time with her family, traveling to Yellowstone National Park and the Grand Tetons, Aruba, Turks & Caicos, Bermuda and so many others.  Weekend trips to Bear Mountain and the Hudson Valley, as well as attending her grandchildren’s sporting events, brought her immense joy. She always found a special way to make every holiday and birthday memorable for her family.  

 

Sue will be remembered as a strong, loving, quiet, smart, witty, and selfless person, who made a lasting impact on all who knew her.  For eight years, Sue fought cancer with remarkable grace and strength, never complaining, and always focused on living each day fully, surrounded by the love of her family and friends. Her physicians, nurses, family, and friends were in awe of her courage and determination throughout her battle.

Susan is survived by her daughters, Julie Hartman and Laura McCabe (and son-in-law Brendan), and her beloved grandchildren Cara and Gavin McCabe. She is also survived by her extended family: cousins and their spouses  Bruce and Mary Woodcox, Henry and MaryAnn Chandler, and Dennis and Cindy Chandler. She was predeceased by her parents Hildegarde and Jerome Woltman, and her cousins Paul and Carol Chandler.

 

A Celebration of Life will be held at Thompson Memorial Home, 310 Broad St, Red Bank, NJ, on Sunday, April 6, 2025, from 2–5 pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Michael’s Church in Long Branch, NJ, on Monday, April 7, 2025, at 11:30 am.

 

In lieu of flowers, Sue requested that donations be made in her honor to the National Parks or World Central Kitchen, an organization providing fresh meals in response to humanitarian, climate, and community crises. National Parks:Donate here or World Central Kitchen:Donate here

 

Rest in peace, Susan. Your strength, humor, and love will continue to inspire all of us. You will be deeply missed.