Mary Morton Hartmann

Mary Morton Hartmann of Castle Rock, Colorado, age 68, died on July 16, 2017 after a 15 year struggle with Alzheimer’s disease. Mary was a loving mother, an athlete, a compassionate caregiver, a devoted and committed spouse, a voice for those without a spokesperson, a volunteer, a proud American, and a politically informed citizen. She had a zest for life and a desire to live to the fullest, which was evident to all who heard her infectious and full laughter. Mary was born Mary Elizabeth Morton in Seattle, Washington to Dr. Robert and Mary Jean (Barrett) Morton. Growing up in Seattle, Mary graduated from Roosevelt High School and earned a registered nursing degree from Shoreline College. In 1968 she married Paul Stephen Bundy. They had two children, Noah (1970) and Tamara (1971). Mary loved her fast-paced, demanding job as an ER and critical care nurse at the University of Washington Hospital where she was able to serve patients and their families and where she also made terrific friends. Mary was adventurous and loved being outdoors. Frequently friends and family would pile into her VW van for a trip to the mountains for hiking or skiing. She was also SCUBA certified and relished any opportunity to explore life under water. In 1980, Mary met Richard L. Hartmann while he was in Seattle visiting one of his best friends, a patient of the University of Washington Hospital. The relationship blossomed and in 1981 she married Richard in Dubuque, Iowa and moved to Colorado where in 1984 she gave birth to a son, Robert Barrett Hartmann. In Colorado, Mary developed a love of horses. She was an active volunteer for Colorado HorsePower Inc., a therapeutic riding program for disabled children. Mary and her husband, Richard, purchased horses of their own and eventually started a breeding program for Rocky Mountain Horses. Through involvement with Rockies, Mary got to know many terrific horses, but also many terrific people from around the U.S. In addition to family, horses, scuba diving, and skiing, Mary loved traveling with Richard. She especially enjoyed Prague, Vienna, and the Greek Isles. Mary and her husband were also very active in political matters affecting families and participated in numerous conferences and programs via The Family Research Council in Washington, D.C. In 2002, Mary was diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s disease. As the disease progressed, Mary was fortunate to meet Maria Gilbreath who beginning in 2005 became her primary caregiver, her hands, her feet, her voice, her chef, and her chief provider of daily ice cream. Maria and her family became part of Mary’s whole family and cared for Mary until her death. Mary is preceded in death by her mother and father, Dr. Robert and Mary Jean (Barrett) Morton and her stepmother Marian (McCallister) Morton. She is survived by her loving husband, Richard L. Hartmann; children, Noah Frantz Bundy, Tamara (Dan) Callstrom, and Robert Barrett Hartmann; grandchildren, Camden Curtis Callstrom and Allison Elizabeth Callstrom; and siblings, Rob (Jenny Bernard) Morton, Karin (Tim) Ross, Sue (Dave) Rusch, and John Hartmann. A visitation will be held Thursday, July 20, 2017 from 6-8 p.m. at Horan & McConaty Family Chapel, 5303 East County Line Road, Centennial. A Mass will be held on Friday, July 21, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Thomas More Catholic Church, 8035 South Quebec Street, Centennial. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Mary’s name to Colorado HorsePower Inc., www.ColoradoHorsePower.org/donate. Please share memories of Mary and condolences with her family by signing the guestbook below.