Patricia Ann (Ford) Hartz, 72, of Honey Brook, passed away on September 30, 2025 after battling an autoimmune liver disease. She was the wife of Barry J. Hartz, with whom she shared 49 years of marriage. Pat was born in Lancaster General Hospital on April 19, 1953, the daughter of the late William H. and Sara J (Newswanger) Ford.
Surviving are five children: Karen M. Hartz of Honey Brook; Mark P. Hartz of Vancouver, CA; John M. Hartz and Wes Thayer of Columbia, MD; Justin T. Hartz and Kristen of Honey Brook; Andrew J. Hartz of Honey Brook; and her “adopted” son, Magne Balane of Connecticut. She was Oma to her 4 beloved grandchildren: Ferris, Anaya, and Sylvie Anderson; and Sara Hartz. Pat was the oldest of seven children and is survived by her six siblings: Margaret L. Dombach and husband Keith, William H. Ford, III and wife Mary, Theodore D. Ford and wife Donna, all of Honey Brook; Deborah J. Kirby and husband Robert of Shelby, NC; Susan R. Sanger and husband Ronald of Bowmansville; and Sara J. Hamm and husband Ken of Greensboro, NC. There are also numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews who loved their Aunt Pat.
Pat graduated from Twin Valley High School in 1971 and the Lancaster General Hospital School of Nursing, where she earned her RN certification in 1974. She worked as a nurse for 51 years, most recently for the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.
In life, Pat enjoyed working as a nurse, which she did until three weeks before her death. She loved helping others with her nursing skills and was the designated nurse for all her family and friends. Family and community were so important to Pat. She enjoyed cooking and baking with her children, and having family over to the home for any and all occasions. Of course, those gatherings included the pets and “grandpets” who were always welcome. As an active and lifelong member of the Honey Brook Presbyterian Church, Pat taught the teen Sunday School class for many years, sang in the choir, served as an elder, taught Vacation Bible School, and was involved in many other activities there. Never one to complain, Pat’s faith enabled her to push through the trials and tribulations in front of her and to offer grace and compassion to others.
Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to share in the Celebration of Pat’s Life on Monday, October 6, 2025 at 11:00 AM from the Honey Brook Presbyterian Church located at 4331 Horseshoe Pike in Honey Brook, with Rev. Ed Baugh officiating. A viewing will be held from 9:30-11:00 AM, prior to the service. Interment will follow at the adjoining cemetery. For directions to the church, please visit www.honeybrookpc.org
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Pat’s memory can be made to the Honey Brook Presbyterian Church, PO Box 276 Honey Brook, PA 19344 or the American Liver Foundation. (liverfoundation.org)
For additional information, please visit www.thelabsfh.com