Obituary of Lenora E. Hartwyk

Lenora Elizabeth Hartwyk, 73, passed away peacefully in her sleep at her home in Turnersville, New Jersey, on February 17, 2025, with Jeff, her husband of 49 years by her side. Born on February 5, 1952, in Hempstead, New York, Lenora dedicated her life to caring for others. Growing up as the middle child of five the other four being brothers, she quickly learned resilience, strength, and the importance of standing her ground-qualities that would define her both personally and professionally. While tradition might suggest it was their job to protect her, more often than not, she was the true force to be reckoned with. Her passion led her to embark on a career in nursing where she began her journey at Albany Medical, where she worked toward her LPN, and later earning her degree from Excelsior University in 2003- each step bringing her closer to her goal of becoming a registered nurse. Her upbringing shaped her leadership style in healthcare, where she combined unwavering confidence with deep compassion, fearlessly advocating for her patients and mentoring those around her. Her 40 year career in healthcare was marked by dedicated service, an unshakable commitment to patient care, and a natural ability to lead with both strength and heart. Lenora dedicated more than two decades to Kennedy Health Care Center in Washington Township, serving as Nurse Manager from June 1991 to June 2010 before stepping into the role of Acting Director of Nursing. She remained in this leadership position until her retirement in 2013. Throughout her career, she made a profound impact on her patients, their families, and her colleagues, earning their admiration through her unwavering dedication and deep passion for providing the highest quality of care. During her time free from nursing Lenora enjoyed baking, arts and crafts, and crocheting-but her greatest happiness came from being a grandmother. All of which increased significantly with her retirement in 2013. She loved sharing her passion for creativity with her grandchildren, teaching them the joys of crafting and making memories together. Whether cheering them on at school events and sports games, showering them with thoughtful gifts and sweet treats or wrapping them in endless hugs and kisses, she embraced every moment with them, always making sure they knew just how deeply they were loved. Lenora is survived by her devoted husband of almost five decades, Jeffrey Hartwyk Sr.; her brother, John Clougher; and her four sons: Jeffrey Jr. (Nicole), William (Tara), Michael, and Kevin (Tanya). She was a cherished grandmother to ten grandchildren: Allison, Hailey, Haylee, Kennedy, Parker, Codey, Cora, Annabelle, Liam, and Atticus. She is also survived by her lifelong best friend, Janice LaPorto, as well as numerous brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, and nephews, all of whom she held close to her heart. She was predeceased by her parents William and Lenora Clougher; her brothers William, Kenneth, and James; as well as her in-laws James Sr. and Bernice Hartwyk; brother-in-law Douglas Hartwyk; sister-in-law Cathy Hartwyk; and her beloved niece Melanie Clougher.