Obituaries
Madeline D. Hartzell, 80
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 24th 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
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Condolences to the Family
October 31, 2018
Dear family,
I’m so sorry to be posting this years after Madeline’s passing. I knew her through our mutual work at RCLC. We shared a lot of laughs and good conversation. I remember her as a very strong and vibrant woman both physically and mentally. She was a very special lady and I am lucky to have known her. I have no doubt she is sharing her educated opinion on the current political ‘goings on’ with others in Heaven. Prayers go up for Madeline and her beloved family.
Dear Family,
We want to send our deepest sympathy and love to you. You’ve been blessed with a wonderful mother and grandmother, and may all those cherished memories bring a light to your eyes and a smile to your face.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
The relationship never ends.
Much love,
Bob and Marlene Gunselman
Mark and David, Tom and my sincere sympathy to you. Her lingering cancer was very hard on you, I’m sure. Nothing worse than to see the one you love suffer. Only once, did Mom email about her struggles. Then we didn’t hear because she probably didn’t want us to know.
I am the wife of Tom Smith, one of the Cousin Breakfast Group from Reading. We did enjoy and appreciate your Mom going the distance to keep in touch.
We will not be able to attend the funeral because we leave for a week vacation at the Outer Banks on Sunday a.m.
We will remember the great and fun lady that she was!
Again, our sympathy and concern for you.
Sue and Tom Smith
My name is Donna Gay Grun Kaplan (donna_kaplan@hotmail.com), and I knew Madeline from my having been employed at St. Joseph Hospital 1982-1993. I had many fine conversations with her when she headed the Gift Shop, and we worked together on committees for the SJH Auxiliary.
I knew her as a lovely, intelligent, exciting, and fun person. I always enjoyed her company, and it was a pleasure to work with her because she was so well organized and had fun with whatever we were doing.
I did not even know that she was so very active with the Republican party. She was a mighty amazing woman even without that part of her story, so I find that she was even more amazing than I even thought now that I know that part.
I regret that I was unable to be present at her funeral; I should like to have met her family.
Please know that you all have my deepest heartfelt sympathy and that my thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Shalom,
Donna
Dear Pat, Herm, GiGi, Sam, Keith and Kirchner Family,
We were saddened to hear of your Father’s passing and the loss of your Mother so recently. We offer our prayers to each of you in this time of grief for the healing process that never quite ends but will soften with faith and the memories of your loving parents. We have thought about and talked of our fond memories of your parents and send our condolences with love and prayers.
Mike & Ann Huber
