Barbara V. Hartwell

July 28, 1939 – November 20, 2017

Beloved wife, mother, sister, aunt, grandmother, teacher and friend passed away Monday, November 20th from stage four breast cancer.

She is preceded in death by her husband of 49 years John Sanders Hartwell and her son Mark. She is survived by her daughters Caroline Hanna of Jupiter (Paul), Joan Salisbury of St. Augustine, (Wayne) and Catherine Hartwell of Brooklyn, N.Y. Grandchildren Lindsey Powers, Zanne Hanna, Mark Hanna, Cameron Hanna, and Eric Brady. Her sister Carol Rauschenplat Lamb of Camarillo, CA, nieces Suzanne Swietnicki (John), Jane Rauschenplat Denight (Shawn), nephew Robert Rauschenplat (Cindy), her brother-in law- Paul C. Hartwell (Celeste) and their family and her beloved cat Pumpkin.

Though born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Barbara eternally considered herself a “Florida girl.” Her parents migrated to Miami in the 1940’s where her father Thomas Mackin worked for an architect. Barbara attended Miami High School where she excelled as a student. She was Captain of the Miami High cheerleading squad and was a member of the swim team, earning high accolades competing in the Junior Olympic Swimming Trials Final in Dade County. A classic beauty, she was also a Sweetheart on the Miami High homecoming court. She continued her cheerleading in college at the University of Florida for Gator football. As a Delta Gamma Sorority sister, Barbara was quite a catch and it was there she met the love of her life -John Sanders Hartwell.

A true love story, their lives changed and grew as they traveled the country from Montana, Minnesota, Missouri, Florida, Arkansas and Alabama, devoted to raising their family Mark, Carrie, Joanie and Catherine. During a 44-year career as a teacher, Barbara faced many professional challenges during segregation, the Civil Rights movement, and other divisive moments in history. She always remained dedicated to teaching all types of children.

Beloved by her students, she began teaching at St. Clare’s Catholic School in North Palm Beach upon arrival in Florida. She loved youth and touched many lives as a role model with her deep faith and compassion as well as her love of teaching science, social studies and history. She is forever remembered for her gift of teaching and inspiring young minds and bringing joy to the learning process. Many who attend St. Clare remember Mrs. Hartwell fondly as their favorite teacher.

A lifelong Catholic, her faith was her rock and bore her through personal challenges including the loss of her eldest son Mark Sanders Hartwell at age 16. She settled in Jupiter in 2012 after her beloved husband's passing and committed herself fully to helping her grandchildren and to enjoying her many friendships and of course, her faith. Her devotion and dedication to her family throughout her life is a genuine legacy of love.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial donation in her name to Hospice of Palm Beach County or Loggerhead Marinelife Center.

A Celebration of Barbara’s life with visitation will be held on Friday, November 24th from 4-7pm at Howard-Quattlebaum Funeral and Event Center, 754 US Highway 1, North Palm Beach. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, November 25th at 10:30am at St. Clare Catholic Church, 821 Prosperity Farms Road, North Palm Beach. Burial will follow at Royal Palm Memorial Gardens in West Palm Beach.