Eileen Hartman

Eileen (Gleason) Hartman, 81, Columbus, passed away peacefully at home April 23, 2026. Mrs. Hartman was born on April 11, 1945, in Joliet, Illinois, to the late Thomas and Anna Marie (Dunne) Gleason. She married James E. Hartman on September 2, 1967, and he survives.

Eileen attended Joliet Junior College and graduated from Northern Illinois University. She later earned her master’s degree in education from Central Michigan University. A natural leader and accomplished professional, her career began as a speech and drama teacher, to president of the teachers’ union, becoming a mathematics consultant, to marketing executive, and eventually the principal of a parochial elementary school. Eileen’s communication skills and ability to work well with others always served her well in her endeavors.

Eileen’s life work and most adored vocation began in 1999 when she co-founded the Great Lakes Gabriel Project to promote the lives of the unborn. Over 600 documented pregnancies have been preserved through the work of the Gabriel Project. After the organization was founded, Eileen became the director and served in this role until her retirement in 2018. She was awarded the Sanctity of Life Award by the Archdiocese of Indianapolis in 2015. Eileen was an excellent communicator and speaker who believed strongly in the mission of the Gabriel Project.

She always stayed active in her son’s schools, serving in the PTA, volunteering, and engaging with children. She was a former member of Our Lady of the Greenwood Parish and more recently a parishioner at St. Bartholomew in Columbus.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her siblings, Rosemary Muir, Raymond Gleason, Edward Gleason, and Gene Gleason.

Survivors include her husband of 58 years, James E. Hartman; son, Aaron (Maria) Hartman; grandson, Levi Hartman; and sister AnnaJean “A.J.” Gleason-Cowan.

Visitation will be held Thursday, April 30, 2026, from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., in the Narthex at St. Bartholomew Catholic Church. Recitation of the Rosary will begin at 10:30 a.m. Mass of Christian Burial will follow in the church at 11 a.m. Burial will be in Garland Brook Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Gabriel Project through the funeral home. Jewell – Rittman Funeral Service & Crematory is serving the family. Visit www.JewellRittman.com to share a favorite memory or to sign the online guest registry.