Nina Laurie Hartman

Nina Laurie Hartman (neé Cunningham) passed away Friday morning in her home surrounded by her loving family. Prior to her death, she suffered two devastating and unexpected strokes that left her incapacitated. In her final days, the outpouring of love from those whose lives she touched was impressive and humbling, but not surprising. Nina/Mom had a personality matched in size only by her heart. She loved meeting new people and made everyone with whom she interacted feel important and seen. She was truly hilarious, and laughed easily and often. The only person she found funnier than herself was her son, Clay. She loved the beach, Atlantic City, fairies, her flower and butterfly gardens, birds, Virginia Tech football, surprises, and horses (and horse races), but most of all she loved her family. She found her soulmate in her husband, Larry, and had a loving and supportive marriage to which most can only aspire. She was so proud of her children and didn’t let them doubt her support or love for a second. She adored her grandchildren and could not have been more excited to meet her newest grandchild, due 01/01/2022. She was lucky enough to be present for the recent wedding of Lauren, and was over-the-moon for Olivia’s upcoming wedding in June. Nina CHOSE to be excited about life, and her enthusiasm was infectious.

Nina was born in New Bedford, MA, attended high school in Annandale, VA, and moved further south to Norfolk, VA to further her studies. She served as an educator for 37 years at Ruffner Middle, Booker T. Washington High, and Granby High Schools — a career in which she impacted thousands of lives. In her final days dozens of former students and colleagues filtered through her home to say thank you and goodbye, sharing stories of her acts of kindness and compassion - some previously unknown to the family. She shepherded acquaintances, friends, students, and colleagues through difficult times, epitomizing what it means to “show up” for others. She was a beacon of what it means to be a friend and, truly, a human.

Nina never stopped trying to improve herself. She received her BA in English from Old Dominion University in 1975, followed by two Masters in Secondary Education and Education Administration in 2002 and 2007 from ODU and VA Tech, respectively. In her retirement she found joy volunteering at the Norfolk International Airport and as an active member of the vestry of her longtime church, St. Stephen’s Episcopal.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Elton Leroy Cunningham and Mary Jayne Petit (neé Anthony). She is survived by her husband of 44 years, Larry Hartman, and their three children: Clay Anthony Hartman and his wife Barbara; Lauren Hartman and her husband Josh Shreve; and Olivia Hartman and her fiancé Mickey Hudson. She is also survived by BFF and sister Michelin Smith and her husband Ned, granddaughters Adrianna Jade and Nora Willow Hartman, and grandson-to-be “Buckles” Hartman-Shreve. She also leaves behind two beloved nephews, Andy and Ben Lynch, and their spouses and children, as well as several other nieces and nephews that she saw much less frequently but loved no less. Remaining also are a number of surrogate family members, including (very) long-time best friends Kay Taylor, Branden Renfrow, and Barbara Sue Hertz.

Nina was truly one-of-a-kind. It cannot be overstated how much she is loved and will be eternally missed. Love you infinity googolplex plus one, Nina/Momma/Nana.

Memorial Service will be held on Wednesday November 10th, 2021 at 2pm at Woodlawn Funeral Home at 6329 E Virginia Beach Blvd, Norfolk, VA 23502. Reception to follow directly after at Winner’s Sports Bar at 1524 Johnstons Rd, Norfolk, VA 23518.