Karen Anderson Hartman

Karen Sara Anderson Hartman went to her heavenly home to be with her family on July 2 , 2021. Born May 18, 1950 in Schwabbing, Munich, Germany, Karen was the second of seven children. After her father completed his military tour in Germany, Karen’s family returned to Hartford and later to West Hartford, Connecticut, where she grew up.

Karen and her fiancé, and later, husband, Bill, moved to Charlottesville, first as students in 1972, then permanently in 1976. Karen spent most of her working career in Charlottesville in dialysis, first at UVA in the early days of dialysis and later at Jefferson Dialysis, which later became GAMBRO and then DaVita Dialysis. In each she made many lifelong friends.

Karen was known as someone who cared deeply for her family, friends, her many dialysis patients, and her furry friends Charcoal, Winky, and Rufus.

Karen was an accomplished cruising sailor who, with her husband (and others), had many adventures over the years sailing their sailboats in both the U.S. and the Bahamas. She was also a scuba diver, diving in such diverse locations as Roatan, Honduras, the Bahamas, and off the New Jersey coast.

She is survived by her husband of nearly 39 years, Bill, one sister, Kristine (and husband, Chris) of New Bern, N.C., and a brother, Gordon (and wife, Lisa) of Granby, CT., niece, Anna, and nephews Christopher, Mark, Brian and Michael.

Many heartfelt thanks to all of her friends for their support and love during her extended illness, and to Dr. Alexander Schult. Also most appreciated was Hospice of the Piedmont’s great caring staff, including her nurses Nina and Ilona, and CNAs Nashell, Jackie, and the many other caring professionals too numerous to mention.

We are also very grateful for the comfort and counsel provided by Father Mario of St. Thomas Acquinas Catholic Church over the duration of her illness.

Due to the complications of organizing group events because of the Corona virus, Karen’s life will be celebrated at a gathering of family and friends at a future time and place as yet undetermined. At that time, we hope to come together to remember and celebrate the life of a wonderful, beautiful, and caring person who will be sorely missed.

In lieu of flowers, it was Karen’s wish that donations in her memory be made to the Charlottesville Albemarle SPCA at www.caspca.org, / P.O. Box 7047, Charlottesville, VA. 22906 or Hospice of the Piedmont, www.hopva.org, / 675 Peter Jefferson Parkway, Suite 300, Charlottesville, VA. 22911.