Madeline D. Hartzell, 80, of East Hempfield Twp., passed away peacefully on Sunday, June 17, 2012 at the Essa Flory Hospice Center. She was married for 44 years to the late William G. Hartzell, who preceded her in death in 1997. Born in Reading, PA, she was the daughter of the late William Jacob and Elsie Mae Groff Smith.

Madeline is survived by two sons, David, husband of Jane Lighty Hartzell of York, and Mark, of East Hempfield Twp.; as well as three grandchildren: Kelly, Brooke, and Will Hartzell. She was preceded in death by siblings Gloria, Patricia and William.

A devoted wife, mother, and grandmother, Madeline travelled to many locations of international interest with her husband, Bill, an executive with RCA. She was a graduate of Reading High School and worked as an executive secretary with RCA before becoming a homemaker in 1955.

After her family, Madeline's passion was community service, particularly in the realm of Republican politics.  Madeline served as a Republican committeewoman in the East Hempfield – Chestnut Ridge District for 32 years. Before moving to Lancaster, she was also a committeewoman in Florham Park, NJ for nine years. In her political role, Madeline held several positions of leadership: vice-chairman of the Republican Committee of Lancaster County for four years, chairman of the East Hempfield Republican Committee for 21 years, chairman of the Hempfield Area School Director nominating committee for 11 years, alternate delegate to the Republican National Convention in 1996 and 2004, and member of the Lancaster County delegation to the Republican State Committee for 16 years.

Along with political service, Madeline also served as a board member of the St. Joseph Health Ministries, was chairman of the St. Joseph Hospital gift shop, and served as president and treasurer of the St. Joseph Hospital auxiliary. She also served as president of the Florham Park, NJ, PTA while her children were in school.

Madeline's generous spirit and ardent work ethic made her a natural leader in her arenas of influence. She was fascinated by all levels of news and current events. She enjoyed vacationing in Florida, the Poconos, and Fenwick Island, DE. Madeline was of the Lutheran Faith.

The Funeral will be held 10 AM Monday, June 25, 2012, with Brett Miller officiating at the Charles F. Snyder Funeral Home & Crematory, 414 East King St., Lancaster, PA. Viewings will take place 6-8 PM Sunday, June 24 ^th and 9-10 AM on Monday at the funeral Home. Interment in Millersville Mennonite Cemetery. Please feel free to send a contribution in Madeline's memory to a charity of one's choice. To send the family online condolences, please visit SnyderFuneralHome.com. Charles F. Snyder Funeral Home & Crematory 717-393-9661