It is with profound sadness and heavy hearts that the family of Susan (Sue) Hartman announced her passing April 1, 2025.
Susan was an only child, born and raised in South Bend, Indiana. She cherished the memories of summers spent with her cousins at Diamond Lake and with her father’s family at Lake Michigan. A proud graduate of St. Joseph’s High School, Susan went on to earn her bachelor’s degree in nursing from Indiana University. She was the first woman in her family to achieve a college degree.
Susan’s passion for nursing began with her work in labor and delivery. She later transitioned to school nursing after having children of her own.
After moving to New Jersey, Sue worked as a school nurse at Harbor School, where she formed lifelong friendships with five incredible women – Trish, Eileen, Suzanne, Susie and Christine. The group began an annual girls’ trip tradition, starting with rustic camping but evolving into relaxing beach house stays, wine and Twizzlers. The group established another tradition – a “priceless” dolphin statue that became part of many of their adventures, traveling to Vegas, award dinners, gift auctions and birthday parties as a humorous symbol of their bond and important moments in each other’s lives.
After Harbor School, Sue continued her nursing career at Eatontown Memorial School, where she served as the school nurse until her retirement in 2020. Over her 25-year career, Sue built meaningful relationships with staff, students and administration, leaving an indelible mark on the school community. Despite the hectic nature of middle school, Sue always remained calm and positive and greeted everyone with a smile.
Sue’s greatest pride and joy was her role as a mother and grandmother. She loved spending time with her family, traveling to Yellowstone National Park and the Grand Tetons, Aruba, Turks & Caicos, Bermuda and so many other places. Weekend trips to Bear Mountain and the Hudson Valley, as well as attending her grandchildren’s sporting events, brought her immense joy. She always found a special way to make every holiday and birthday memorable for her family.
Sue will be remembered as a strong, loving, quiet, smart, witty and selfless person who made a lasting impact on all who knew her. For eight years, Sue fought cancer with remarkable grace and strength, never complaining, and always focused on living each day fully, surrounded by the love of her family and friends. Her physicians, nurses, family and friends were in awe of her courage and determination throughout her battle.
Susan is survived by her daughters, Julie Hartman and Laura McCabe; son-in-law Brendan McCabe; and her beloved grandchildren, Cara and Gavin McCabe. She is also survived by her extended family of cousins and their spouses, including Bruce and Mary Woodcox, Henry and MaryAnn Chandler, and Dennis and Cindy Chandler.
She was predeceased by her parents, Hildegarde and Jerome Woltman, and her cousins, Paul and Carol Chandler.
A Celebration of Life was held April 6 at Thompson Memorial Home, Red Bank. A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated April 7 at St. Michael’s Church in Long Branch.
In lieu of flowers, Sue requested that donations be made in her honor to the National Park Foundation at give.nationalparks.org or World Central Kitchen at donate.wck.org, an organization providing fresh meals in response to humanitarian, climate, and community crises.
The article originally appeared in the April 10 – 16, 2025 print edition of The Two River Times.
