Obituary of Elsie Hartmann

West Sparta – Elsie Jo Hartmann age 102, passed away peacefully on Monday August 26, 2024, at Strong Memorial Hospital following a brief illness. She was born in Dansville on January 9, 1922, a daughter to the late Ray and Ruth (Vaisey) Finch. She was also predeceased by her husband, Austin “Mush” Hartmann whom she was married to in 1946, son in-laws, Eric Melenbacker, and Jeffrey Witherell. Elsie lived a full life filled with love, art, and adventure. Elsie's passions were numerous and varied. She adored her family, the New York Yankees, and the outdoors. She delighted in watching birds gather in her yard and arranging fresh flowers from her garden. Her artistic talents shone through in her exceptional calligraphy work, beautifully decorating her home for holidays, and singing in her church choir. A proud Marine veteran, Elsie served during WWII, enlisting in 1943 as part of the second group of women to join the Marines. She was assigned to Marine Headquarters in Arlington, VA, utilizing her strong secretarial skills. Elsie was discharged with the rank of Sergeant at the end of WWII, a testament to her dedication and service. After the war, Elsie returned to Dansville, where she became a homemaker, but she was always willing to lend a hand on the farm alongside her husband, Mush. Her community involvement was vast, she was the oldest and longest standing member of the Dansville Presbyterian Church, with active participation in Opportunity Circle, and Home Bureau. Elsie's artistic talents extended beyond music and calligraphy. She played the violin, piano, flute, and even tap-danced. Her love for theater led her to community performances and singing groups, including the Mountain Williams, where she and fellow band members would play their fiddles while dressed as hillbillies. Throughout her life, Elsie received numerous honors and recognition for her contributions. In 2004, she and her husband, Mush, were chosen as Livingston County Senior Citizens of the Year. Her calligraphy work can be seen throughout Dansville, including on the wall of the Clara Barton Chapter 1 Museum and in the Dansville Presbyterian church's Memorial Book and hymnals. She was honored to participate in the Rochester Honor Flight mission #35 to Washington D.C. Elsie's impact on her community and the people around her was immense, and she will be deeply missed. Elsie is survived by her children, Peter (Alice) Hartmann (Ohio), Wendy Melenbacker (Fairport), Roxanne (David) Matthews (Vermont), Marsha (Edward) Freeman (Penfield), Laurie Perry (Dansville), Elizabeth Witherell (Tennessee), thirteen grandchildren and eleven great grandchildren. A Memorial service will be celebrated on Friday October 4, 2024, 11:00am at the Dansville Presbyterian Church, 3 School St. Dansville NY. Internment with full military honors in Greenmount Cemetery Dansville. Arrangements made by the Hindle Funeral Home, Inc. 271 Main St. Dansville, NY 14437. Online memorials may be left at HindleFuneralHome.com In lieu of flowers please make memorials to the West Sparta Volunteer Fire Department, or the West Sparta Historical Society, 8302 Kysorville Byersville Rd. Dansville. NY 14437