Mary E. (Lawson) (Lester) Hartman

Mary Evelyn (nee Lawson) (Lester) Hartman, 90, passed away on Monday, April 23, 2018 at Our Lady of Peace Nursing Care Residence in Lewiston.  Born on April 6, 1928 in Covington, NY, she was the daughter of the late Andrew and Jennie (Mastin) Lawson.

Mary moved to Niagara Falls in 1945 to live with her extended family where she soon met the Lester brothers, John and Joseph.  She and Joseph married on September 8, 1945.   Mary was a homemaker and later a stay at home mother to their children, Phyllis Evelyn and Arnold Wayne.   After the death of Joseph in 1963, Mary worked at Mount St. Mary’s Hospital until she retired.  During this time she met and married Alvin Hartman, with whom they shared over twenty years of marriage. Mary and Al were members of Messiah Lutheran Church in Lewiston.

Mary enjoyed her later years by assisting in Messiah’s thrift shop and volunteering as a senior companion in Niagara Falls.

Mary spent time with her daughter, Phyllis Setser (Robert) and their family in California and in Atlanta, Georgia.  Mary was extremely close to Phyllis’ daughters, Amy Cochran (Rob) and Katie Unland.  Her life was further blessed with the arrivals of her great-grandchildren, Abigail and Andrew Cochran, and Noah and Hannah Unland.  The great-grandchildren affectionately referred to Mary as their “GG”.

In addition to her daughter, Mary is also survived by her son Arnold (Eileen) Lester, grandsons Vincent and Joseph, and 5 great-grandchildren.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents, her brother, William Lawson, and her spouses, Joseph Lester and Alvin Hartman.

Mary had a blessed life with a loving family and special friends.  Her family would especially like to thank the Casper’s, Ted, Marge and Joyce, for their friendship and love.  Additional thanks to the staff at Our Lady of Peace and friends for their dedication, care and compassion.  Knowing that Mary was taken care of to the best of your abilities made it easier for us to be at peace when we were not there.

Committal and interment will be held at Acacia Park Cemetery at a later date.  Arrangements are under the director of Michael R. Goodlander of OTTO REDANZ FUNERAL HOME.  Please visit www.goodlandercares.com for online condolences.

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