Sr. Karen Jeanne Hartman, SFP
April 26, 1936—June 29, 2025
The entirety of Sr. Karen Hartman’s life can be described as wholeheartedness. She gave her whole self without reservation to God, her family, fellow Sisters and to all those who crossed paths or traveled with her along life’s journey. She welcomed all with her friendly smile, bright blue eyes and calm, loving presence.
It would have been impossible for Frank and Catherine Hartman to know what an amazing life they brought into the world on the day Karen was born, April 26, 1936. As their family grew, Karen found herself to be one of six children born to the Hartman’s in Fort Wayne, Indiana, where her sibling remained and raised their families throughout their lifetimes.
Karen’s call to religious life was based on a deep love, trust and knowing of God at a very young age. As a quiet, yet determined 15 year-old, she took seriously Jesus’ call to “Come follow me.” This led to her lifelong commitment to the Franciscan Sisters of the Poor which began in 1951 as she entered the Aspirancy as a Sophomore in high school. Not only was Karen highly intelligent and a lifelong learner, she had an insightful self-awareness of her skills, talents and abilities. Her heart’s desire was to use them in a way to bring physical and spiritual comfort, care and healing to others. Naturally, this led Karen into the nursing profession. Before long Karen had graduated from St. Elizabeth School of Nursing in Dayton, Ohio in 1960 and without hesitation went on to earn a Bachelor’s in Nursing from the University of Dayton. Shortly thereafter in 1968, she was awarded a Master’s in Nursing Administration from the Ohio State University.
In the early decades of religious life, Karen devoted her energies in the field of Nursing covering the full array, from direct patient care to health care administration in both hospitals and long-term care facilities in Ohio and New York. No matter what the role or responsibilities, Karen was first and foremost a healing presence. She saw this as her primary call and ministry within her profession. Her compassion, kindness and gentleness was a balm and comfort to those bedside and those in the board room. While continuing to serve in the healthcare profession, Karen felt the call to deepen her ability to serve not just the physical needs of those suffering but also the equally painful spiritual and emotional needs as well. This led her to pursue a national certification as a Catholic Chaplain, which enabled her to provide “heart and soul” comfort and support to those living with loss, grief, trauma, sudden life changes and transitions. This offered Karen the opportunity to be Christ to others; to witness, stand in solidarity, to cry with and console others as they faced heartbreaking realities. Here is where her love, trust and faith in God became real for herself and those she ministered to.
Eventually, Karen felt the call to redirect her energy and talents to new ministerial possibilities. To qualify for “God’s next steps” for her, the thought of returning to school at the age of 57 did not dissuade her from graduating from Xavier University with a Master’s degree in Theology in 1993. With a deeper understanding and foundation in faith, Karen went on to serve in a wide variety of parish and human rights ministries; peace and justice advocacy, abolishment of human trafficking, care for incarcerated women, as well as care for our planet through recycling awareness & initiatives. She also, joyfully and lovingly served in local Congregational ministries as the director of Franciscan Ministries for the Poor and the SFP Associate Program.
However, when it was time, due to aging and physical diminishment, Karen gracefully entrusted her ministries to those more capable than herself. She “Let Go and Let God”. As Karen gratefully acknowledged: “Each experience has shown me the goodness of God and how graced I have been to minister in so many capacities.”
Karen’s entire life was sustained by prayer and the presence of God, both seen and unseen. Her last few years living with dementia proved to be a daily, unceasing prayer, so representative of her life which was a “total gift” given to God and others wholeheartedly. As she passed quietly in her sleep, she gave her whole self; all that she was, all that she is and all that she will be into the fullness of God.
“Faithful Love”
Reaching out and lifting up
with open heart and open hands,
How easily, it seems,
a giving spirit understands.
Her courage met the challenges,
don’t be afraid to try,
Her compassion was her very heart,
don’t be afraid to cry.
She lived her life for Jesus’ sake,
and gladly gave her all
To serve and bless so many lives
by answering His call.
The following are some testimonials from our Sisters, Associates, and friends who remember with affection Sr. Karen Hartman:
Our dear Karen bore witness to me of one who is ever gentle and kind. Always a generous giver of time, person and presence. As dementia overpowered her mind, a prayer was always on her lips. May Karen continue to praise God for all eternity! Sr. Marilyn Trowbridge, SFP
Sr. Karen was a “strong woman”! Nothing was impossible for her! She spent a year in Dumaguete City, in our community in the Philippines. I greatly appreciated her spirit of initiative. With enthusiasm and her Bible, she went every week to the women’s section of the prison where she helped the women discover that God would never abandon them. A great woman, appreciated and esteemed by those who came into contact with her. May God grant you the crown of righteous people. Rest in peace, Sr. Karen, and thank you for your life of service to your sisters and brothers! Sr. Francesca Atorino, SFP
Dear Sister Karen, your smile, your welcome, and your prayers have accompanied me and will continue to accompany me on my journey. You gave me affection, kindness, attention, and care; you gave me trust, esteem, and appreciation. Thank you for your witness of consecrated life. May God give you a hundredfold for all the love you gave. Here in Dumaguete, Philippines, you lived the charism generously, organically initiating the pastoral ministry in the women’s prison in January 2016. Now I welcome your legacy, continuing to accompany the women in the same prison. Many people remember you with affection. May your life continue to shine among us, encouraging us to walk faithfully in the footsteps of Jesus. Sr. Licia Mazzia, SFP
My love and prayer for sr Karen. I felt sad a while ago when sr Licia broth me the news that sr Karen had joined our Creator, happy that she rests at peace with our God. I cannot forget the time we were with her, Mayet, and Glenda joining in the prison ministry. When she was here, she also joined us praying the two thousand Hail Mary’s. Have peace, sr Karen, our love and prayers. You are always in our hearts. We thank you, God, and Mother Frances in having you here in Dumaguete, Philippines SFP Associate Sol Quiambao
It was a pleasure to work with Sr. Karen while serving as the Director of Community Health Education in Cincinnati. She was a kind, caring soul who always had a cheery demeanor. She too loved having sales (thrift) back in the day to support the various ministries. May she rest in peace. Associate SFP Molly Talbot
Sr. Karen was a gentle, kind , compassionate Sister who left a legacy of love and example to our world! Whenever I connected with Sr Karen, I always felt her warmth and presence, very generous and intentional listening! I will always remember her beautiful smile, which came so naturally! Her love for the poor and unfortunate remains for us to continue… Rest with God, gentle Sr.Karen! Associate SFP Anne Cabanas
Sister Karen always welcomed me with a warm smile – we spent time together in Germany … and I will miss seeing her there. Associate SFP Denise Ingrassia
I started working as an Activities Director for Franciscan Sisters of the Poor in March of 2025. I only had the pleasure of knowing Sr. Karen for a short time. During that time Sr. Karen attended activities almost every day. She was/is such a gentle and kind individual with a beautiful soul. My only regret is not knowing her longer. Maribeth Kenworthy
