Eileen Hartman
April 11, 1945 ~ April 23, 2026
Born in: Joliet, Illinois
Resided in: Columbus, Indiana
Resided in: Columbus, Indiana
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.
Services
Visitation:
Thursday, April 30, 2026
9:00 am - 10:30 am
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2026-04-30 09:00:00
2026-04-30 10:30:00
Eileen Hartman Visitation
Visitation
1306 27th Street,Columbus, IN
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America/Indiana/Indianapolis
2026-04-30 10:30:00
2026-04-30 10:30:00
Eileen Hartman Rosary Service
Rosary Service
,, IN
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America/Indiana/Indianapolis
2026-04-30 11:00:00
2026-04-30 11:00:00
Eileen Hartman Mass of Christian Burial
Mass of Christian Burial
,, IN
Burial:
Garland Brook Cemetery
501 N Gladstone Ave
Columbus, IN 47201-6574
(812) 376-6375
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On behalf of Jim, Aaron, and Levi, we thank you for your special message. I will print it to put in a book for Jim.
God Bless,
Maria Hartman
Eileen was my leader in Gabriel Project. She picked Ann Heilman to bring the project to St Elizabeth Seton Catholic Church in Carmel Indiana. I was a sidewalk counselor along with my husband , Richard, and Bob Rust and many others who prayed counseled in front of abortion clinics. We always obeyed the laws and
were respectful of both sides of the issues. By Grace of God many women turned away from abortion and we connected them to the Gabriel Project to give them moral and financial and emotional support.
Gabriel Project saved many lives.. God bless Eileen for being our initial one to start it. May Eileen and many prolifers who have gone ahead of us and Bob Rust and Dick Mote and Joe Scheidler and all Souls of the faithful departed through the Mercy of God rest in peace. Amen Kathleen and Dick Stadler
On behalf of Jim, Aaron, and Levi, we thank you for your special message. What a beautiful prayer, too! I will print your message and prayer to put in a book for Jim.
God Bless,
Maria Hartman
On behalf of Jim, Aaron, and Levi, we thank you for your special message. What beautiful memories you included! I will print it to put in a book for Jim.
God Bless,
Maria Hartman
Lynne Smith
Thank you for sharing your memories! I hope you know how much your Aunt Eileen loved you!
Love,
Aaron, Maria, and Levi
Eileen truly changed my life for the better. Her devotion to God and the ministry of Gabriel Project touched my life in countless ways. She taught me humility, grace, and compassion. She taught me to listen, to be patient and to better understand the challenges women facing unplanned pregnancies were struggling with. I was honored that she entrusted her beloved Gabriel Project to my care when it was time for her to step back. I hope she is pleased with what I was able to do during my time leading Gabriel Project. She was like a sister to me. I know she is in heaven.
Thank you, Linda. I know she was blessed to have you working alongside her with the Gabriel Project, as well as blessed by your friendship. Thank you for sharing your kind words, as we treasure these special memories.
In Christ,
Maria