Obituary of Elaine M. Hartnett

Elaine Mary Hartnett 1941 - 2020 CLINTON - Elaine Mary (Davis) Hartnett, 78, of Clinton, NY, entered into the Kingdom of our Lord, April 18, 2020 after some years of health challenges. Elaine was born on June 24, 1941 in Lewiston, Me. the daughter of the late Denis and Lillian Griffin Davis. Growing up in a loving family, Elaine graduated from Lewiston High School in 1959; she had a beautifully trained singing voice and was in the Lewiston High School Chorus. She attended Emmanuel College in Boston, with a double major in psychology and education, and participated in singing groups as well, graduating in 1963. She taught primary grades in Lisbon, ME, and Pettingill School in Lewiston. The wife of U. S. Navy Pilot, William James Hartnett, Elaine spent some time moving from place to place with her husband of over 30 years. Places they lived included time stationed in Sicily, Italy, Staten Island, Virginia, Maine, and eventually they settled as residents of Clinton, NY where they raised their children. Once in Clinton, Elaine began forming friendships and finding her passions. While active in the community, church, clubs and children’s activities, she stayed home to raise her children for many years. Elaine went back to teaching Pre-kindergarten and third grade at St. Mary’s School, Clinton from 1986-2004. She was an active member of St. Mary’s Church, Clinton Garden Club, Questers Society, the Skenandoa Club, and Skating Club of Utica. Elaine loved to be with her friends wherever they gathered, be it a Friday night out, a party, a meeting, poolside, or just around a kitchen table. A truly loving and supportive mother, Elaine taught her children to always try to see both sides of the story, and understand one never knows the struggles of others. Elaine was often volunteering at her children’s events and was involved every chance she had. She was known to bring smiles and silliness into situations and would travel anywhere to support her children in their endeavors, including ice cold arenas where she would sit for hours with other skating families. Elaine was even known to show up to watch her sons band play at various places and at all times of the day and night. Elaine was an avid gardener. She could be found working in her yard whenever possible. Her flower beds were even featured as a backdrop in important family events, including weddings. She also Elaine loved visiting her family in Maine when possible and sharing her love of her childhood home with her children. Her love for children and family continued to shine through as a grandmother (Mimi) and friend. She was passionate about being present as much as possible and loved sharing in all the moments as she could. She even loved sharing in the lives of her children’s in-laws and their families. She was grateful for patience, love and companionship as her health began to decline. Elaine had some great friends and caregivers that she met through the Presbyterian Home, and they became important members of her (our) family. Elaine had a unique and beautiful touch when it came to colors, art, nature, and decorating. She was known to point out things in nature and say that God was THE very best artist. Elaine was loving, determined, funny, caring, generous and always well put together with a smile. When you notice blossoms on trees, the shining sun, a crystal clear night, waves splashing, the fragrance of flowers, a perfect breeze, colors of fall, the love of family and friends, remember the smile of Elaine, a woman of great Faith who saw beauty in all things, and believed those were God’s gifts to us. Elaine is survived by her son Jim (Renee) Hartnett of New Hartford, and daughter Kathleen (Mike) Makuszak of Clayville; grandchildren, Sophia and James Hartnett, Michael, Lilli, and Julia Makuszak; Her brother, Father John Patrick Davis of Lewiston, Me. Elaine had a long list of lifetime friends, which she greatly cherished. Due to the restrictions of COVID a private mass will be held for immediate family. An announcement about a future celebration of her life will take place at a later date. Those wishing may donate to the Alzheimer’s Association, Central New York Chapter, 441 W. Kirkpatrick St., Syracuse, NY 13204-1305, in Elaine’s memory. Arrangements are entrusted to R.P. Heintz Funeral Service, Inc., 10 East Park Row, Clinton. Online memorial and guestbook available at www.rpheintzfsi.com.