Antonina “Ann” Eleanor Hartmann, 89, of Madison, passed away peacefully in the presence of her family on Oct. 22. Ann entered the loving embraces of Our Lord, Jesus Christ; her husband, Warren John; and infant son, Christopher Michael. Ann was born in Camporeale, Sicily, Italy, on July 17, 1933, to her loving parents Antonino and Antonina (Gino) Zummo.

At age five, along with her siblings, Pasquale and Francesca, her family journeyed, via ocean liner, to their new home in Brooklyn, New York. Throughout Ann’s childhood, she took great joy in the traditions of her Italian family and the Catholic Church. She attended Saint Joseph’s Patron Elementary School, Brooklyn, New York Ann went on to graduate from All Saints High School, Brooklyn, New York, at an accelerated pace and continued her education at Columbia University, where she studied accounting.

Throughout her life. Ann was deeply spiritual and devoted to her Catholic faith. As a young woman, she enjoyed socializing, collaborating with, and oftentimes chaperoning the nuns in her Catholic community. Ann anticipated a life of service in the Catholic Church as a nun. All that changed when she was swept off her feet by her future husband Warren John Hartmann while attending a church dance. They married in 1955 and went on to welcome eight children into the world: Angela (Frank) Guarascio of Madison, John (Pamela) Hartmann of Baton Rouge, Joanne Hartmann of Madison, Gerard ‘‘Jerry” (Ellen) Hartmann of Madison, Antonino “Tony” Hartmann of Madison, Ruthann “Tanny” (John) LaRosa of Meriden, Warren “Chief” (Melanie) Hartmann of Madison, and Christopher Hartmann (deceased). In addition to her children, Ann leaves behind 15 grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren, and a multitude of devoted extended family and friends. All will greatly miss her love, caring, and generosity toward them.

Ann and Warren were married for over 32 years until the time of Warren’s passing in 1987. They were each other’s partner in life, love, faith, and adventure! It was Ann’s joy in life to join and support Warren in his business dreams and aspirations for their family. Ann was energetic, thoughtful, and loving to all she met. Always the consummate hostess, Ann opened up her beautiful home to friends and family throughout the seasons. There, one could always find warm conversation and a place at her table. Along with delicious food, they also enjoyed her joyous spirit, bountiful and beautifully decorated tablescapes, and home. Loved ones embraced her wisdom, guidance, and reassurance, as well as fun sense of humor! She nurtured all who entered with open arms, ears, mind, and heart.

Over the years, Ann held many leadership roles in the church and community. She was an officer of the Women’s Club of Madison for decades, a member of the Newcomers Club, a founding member of the Encore Club, and an active member of the Women’s Guild of St. Margaret Church in Madison. Her many interests included cooking, gardening, camping, poetry writing, singing and dancing, book clubs, bridge, boating, and travel with friends and family. One of her favorite celebrations was the generational tradition and annual family gathering to make the Sicilian fig Christmas cookies called “Cuiciddati.” This is a joyous two-day process which yields delicious cookies, singing, joke telling, and funny stories! Ann personified what it means to be a true matriarch of a family and will be dearly missed. Her family finds comfort in knowing she is now with her husband and son, and will be a special guardian angel for her family for eternity.

Visitation was Oct. 27, at the Swan Funeral Home in Madison. A Mass of Christian Burial was Oct. 28, at St. Margaret Church in Madison. Interment followed at the Connecticut State Veterans Cemetery in Middletown. Family and friends are welcome to these services. Donations may be made on Ann’s behalf to “Casa Esperanza,” a multiservice center for immigrants at SCNY.org or mail to 1801 Clinton Ave. Bronx, NY, 10457. Alternatively, donations may be made to Dementia Society of America® | Information Support Research or mail to Post Office Box 600, Doylestown, PA,1890