The Denver Jewish and civic communities recently said goodbye to a formidable and courageous leader with the passing of Joan (Joanie) Hartman.
Hartman was an innovative leader who, when she saw a need in the community, would take the reigns and get the job done. More than four decades ago, Joanie and her friends saw the need for a new Reform congregation in southeast Denver, so she joined with them and became a founding member of Temple Sinai, now one of the largest synagogues in the region.
When Hartman was president of the Synagogue Council of Greater Denver, she realized how Jews could help Christians by volunteering to perform their jobs in healthcare facilities on Christmas so they wouldnt have to work on their holiday. The Christmas Day Mitzvah Project has become an annual event attracting more volunteers each year. Read the full obituary
Hartmans leadership was not limited to the Jewish community. She was honored by the Colorado Chapter of the MS Society.
Joan Hartman was a fighter for causes, and she fought for herself, battling both ovarian and breast cancer, and losing her husband in the midst of chemotherapy. Yet she fought on taking in all that life could offer while giving back with courage and intellect.
