Janet J. Hartman

  Janet J. Hartman died peacefully in the home she loved, holding her daughter's hand on April 1, 2023.

  Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11:00 A.M. Wednesday, April 5th at St. Michael the Archangel Church, Streator.  Msgr. Philip Halfacre will officiate.

  Visitation will be from 4-7 P.M. Tuesday, April 4th at the Solon-Telford Funeral Home, Streator.  The rosary will be recited at 6:45 P.M.

  Burial will be in St. Anthony Cemetery, Streator.

  She was born July 2, 1950 to Frank and Gertrude (Renn) Heinbuecher in Streator, IL. She earned a full scholarship to NIU, sidetracked with children, and eventually put herself through college earning a degree in Early Childhood Education with an emphasis in Special Education. She was a single mom who worked 2 jobs and tutored children in the summer to make ends meet. She was a lifelong learner who also earned two Master's degrees in Education and Administration. 

  Jan started teaching at Southlands College Kinder Wimbledon, England. After returning, she started at St. Anthony School in Streator, and then moved to Ottawa Elementary to help build the first full day Kindergarten in LaSalle County. She also taught at Nido de Agelas, Guatemala and twice in Santiago Chile through the US State Department's School to School Program. 

  She made many laughs during more than 30 productions at Engle Lane Theater. Her all-time favorite was starring in Nunsense and Nunsense II with her daughter. She loved singing in the St. Anthony choir, reading children's time at the Bookmouse and volunteering at OES after retirement. Jan loved to cruise and vacation with friends and was an active member of the BookBags reading club, retired Central teachers, and the Lake Ladies.  

  Her greatest joy was spending time with her grandchildren. She loved the Sextuplets and Ainsley fiercely and came every day after school to be with the babies. She also spent ages 2-11 caring for Ainsley before and after school. She vacationed with them, attended all their activities, helped with school projects, homework, rides, and thousands of diapers. They were her lifeblood. 

  She is preceded in death by her parents; a sister Karen Wasson; a brother James Heinbuecher; her daughter Kristen and grandson, Morgan P. Leonard.

  She is survived by her daughter, Jennifer (Cyrano Rayfield) Leonard; grandchildren Kiara (David Zimmer) Leonard, Shelby (Eduardo Gonzalez) Leonard, Ryan (Brenna) Leonard, Brady Leonard, Darby (Michael) Mix and Ainsley Leonard; a sister MaryAnn Elias; a niece, Drea Poole and family. In addition, she leaves behind wondrous friends and extended family.

  In lieu of flowers, please send donations for the Hartman Scholarship or to St. Jude's Children's Hospital, her favorite charity. 

  Online condolences may be left for the family at www.solontelford.com.

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