Obituary of Mary Jane Hartwell

Mary Jane (Collins) Hartwell, 76, of Sidney, passed away at 1:33am on Monday, March 10, 2025 as she succumbed to her injuries from a tragic accident. Mary was born on August 11, 1948 in Sidney, daughter of the late George and Evelyn Louise (Hilsinger) Collins. She graduated from Sidney High School with the Class of 1966 and was employed by Keith Clark/At-A-Glance/Mead-Westvaco/ACCO for over 30 years. She was married to Ben (Butch) Hartwell Sr., dancing their way through life for the past 57 years. Mary took great pride in her family and building her home where she loved caring for her flower and vegetable gardens. A devoted mother and grandmother, she enjoyed attending dance competitions, sporting and school events. She enjoyed planning, cooking and helping with parties for family events. Mary was a talented and meticulous crafter and cake maker. Always willing to help others, Mary would go out of her way to do whatever she could, including donating her crafts for different fundraisers any time she was asked. Anyone who knew Mary knew that she loved holidays, Christmas especially. She loved spending Christmas with her children and grandchildren, showing her appreciation for them by making sure she got them what they needed. This generosity extended beyond her family as Mary always made a point to take names off from the Christmas trees to ensure that area children had a Merry Christmas. Mary will be missed by: her beloved husband, Ben (Butch) Hartwell, Sr.; three children: Gina and Mark Baldauf, Lisa and Ted Boice, and Ben (Butch) Jr. and Janelle Hartwell; grandchildren: Ashley, Kylee (fiancé Ryan), Tyler (Fiancée Tori), Tanner, Nathan (wife Katie), Jenna, Lacey and Nicholas; great-granddaughter, Penelope; her dog, Mia, and all of her grandpups, as well as her sister, Mary Tudor, and many nieces, nephews and cousins. In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her brother and sister-in-law, Clark and Marie Hilsinger, and her grandson, Maverick Coty-Lee Baldauf. Mary's family wishes to extend special thanks to her nephew, Clarkie Hilsinger, for his time and assistance during this difficult time. At Mary's request, the family will hold a celebration of life at the IAM Union Hall, 25 Sherman Avenue, Sidney, NY from 1:00-4:00pm on Saturday, March 15, 2025. Parking is located in the rear of the building on Adams Street. In honor of Mary's love of Christmas, in lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be directed to Operation Merry Christmas, PO Box 313, Sidney, NY 13838.