Elizabeth Ruth Hartman
Your presence we miss, your memory we treasure.
Obituary
OBITUARY of Elizabeth Hartman
Elizabeth Ruth “Liz” Hartman, 94, of Gainesville, Virginia, passed away peacefully on December 12, 2025, at Harpers Station Adult Living Facility. Known for her radiant smile, warmth, and boundless kindness, Liz touched the lives of everyone she met and will be deeply missed by her family and friends.
Born on February 5, 1931, in San Bernardo, Chile, Liz was the daughter of the late Bertram Smith and Esther (Mardones) Smith. She grew up alongside her older sister, Doris, and a younger infant brother, both of whom preceded her in death while still children. Spanish was her first language, and as a young woman she worked diligently to learn English—an achievement that would shape her journey ahead.
She met her first love, Mortimer “Mort” Norton, an avid sportswriter, outdoorsman and fisherman, in Santiago, Chile in 1953, where he was participating in a Tuna Cup fishing event. Liz came to the United States soon after and they were married in January 1954. They made their home in Clinton, NY, and Liz became a proud naturalized American citizen soon afterward. Together, she and Mort shared a love of travel, fishing trips, and camping adventures across the U.S. and Canada, often joined by close friends at Piseco Lake in the Adirondacks.
In 1960, Liz welcomed her only child and beloved son, Clifford John Norton, into the world. Her mother, Esther, came to the US to live with her and to help care for "little Johnny". After Mort’s untimely passing in 1963, Liz faced uncertainty about whether to return to Chile or stay in the US, but her determination to create opportunities for her son led her to remain in the United States. She moved with her mother and young son to Utica, New York, where she built a new life, finding work at The Boston Store, first as an elevator operator, and then as a clerk in the Layaway department.
It was in Utica that Liz met Willard “Bill” Hartman through the organization "Parents Without Partners". They married in 1970 and settled in his home in Whitesboro, New York. Liz soon found meaningful work as a bank teller at Marine Midland Bank, where she was admired for her professionalism, warmth, and ever-present smile. The couple spent countless summers at their cherished camp on Kayuta Lake in the Adirondacks, creating memories filled with friends & family, laughter, cooking, and shared joy until they both retired in 1995. That year, Liz and Bill relocated to Gulfport, Florida, where they built a vibrant new circle of friends and enjoyed many years of sunshine in their retirement by the water. Following Bill’s passing in 2014, Liz continued to live with grace and gratitude, thriving in the warm Florida climate, cherishing visits from her family and the many friends she met along the way.
In February 2024, Liz moved to Gainesville, Virginia, to be nearer to her son and daughter-in-law. Her final months were filled with treasured moments of family connection, love, newfound friend Pamela, and the joy she spread so effortlessly.
Those who knew Liz will remember her for her vibrant personality, impeccable sense of style, and kindness that knew no bounds. Her Chilean accent, warmth, beauty and laughter made every room brighter. She was gracious, elegant, and endlessly devoted to the people she loved. Above all, her greatest pride and joy in life was her son, Clifford, and the family that grew around him.
Elizabeth is preceded in death by her parents, Bertram and Esther Smith; her sister, Doris; her infant brother whose name is lost to time; and her husbands, Mort and Bill. In life she leaves behind her son, Clifford John Norton, daughter-in-law Maureen Frank-Norton, and grandchildren Connor James Norton, Devon John Norton and his wife Christina (Lin) Norton, granddaughter Monica Kathryn Norton, Step-daughter Nancy (Hartman) White, Step-grandson Richard White, Step-granddaughter Janice White, Step-son David Hartman, Diane Burheit Kyle, the extended Hartman Family, the extended Franz Family, the Waghorn Family, her beloved hair-stylist Kelley, her extended family and friends in the UK, her extended family and friends in Chile, her many dear friends at Town Shores of Gulfport, and new friends Joni Smith, Pamela Chamer, and her friends & devoted care-givers at Harper’s Station senior living facility.
Elizabeth's memory will continue to shine brightly in the hearts of all who knew her.
Two Celebration of Life events will be held in 2026 to honor her remarkable journey and the love she shared so freely: the FIRST will be held in Gainesville, VA, on March 14, 2026, the SECOND will be held in Gulfport, FL, on April 11, 2026 (details can be found in the SERVICE section below).
We request RSVPs for the Celebration of Life being held in Gainesville, VA, on March 14, 2026.
NOTE: All RSVPs we receive pertain ONLY to the March 14 Celebration of Life event.
Timeline
Gallery
Memory wall
She was very good friend and was very supportive when I first arrived in Utica, New York.
Elizabeth, thank you for your friendship through all the years.
Gudo and Peggy
Family tree
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Service
Donate
In lieu of flowers, we would be honored if you make a donation to Harper's Station of Gainesville, as follows:
Please make checks payable to Harper's Station Gainesville, and put "Employee Appreciation Fund" on the memo line.
Mail checks to:
Harper's Station Gainesville
Employee Appreciation Fund
15951 Loves Mill Ln.
Gainesville, VA 20155
The caregivers at Harper's Station are true professionals, and there isn't enough I can say to describe how well they do such challenging work.
Your generous donation will serve as a meaningful tribute, perpetuating the spirit of Elizabeth by supporting the caring people who took such good care of her.
Together, let us continue the legacy of compassion and kindness that Elizabeth embodied throughout their life.
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