In Memory
Katherine V. (Kovacevich) Hartman
Katherine V. Hartman June 22, 1921 - June 1, 2015 SOUTH BEND - Katherine Violet (Kovacevich) Hartman departed this life on June 1, 2015 a few weeks short of her 94th birthday. She was a woman dearly loved by her children, her family, her many friends, and those that she worked with over the years. She was a woman of warmth and compassion who loved helping others and took great joy in being involved in the lives of her family and friends. Katherine was born in Michigan City to Savo "Sam" Kovacevich, a Serbian immigrant, and Stella Thorpe Kovacevich, whose roots in Indiana go back generations, in 1921. Katherine was a lifelong resident of South Bend, and lived most of her life on the south side.
Baptized and confirmed at the old St. Peter and Paul Serbian Church, she and her husband, John, were among the founders of Immanuel United Methodist Church on Ewing Avenue, where Katherine was a very active member. She headed the Women's Society of Christian Service (later the United Methodist Women) and was financial manager for the popular annual Jonah Fish Fry at the church. She printed the Sunday church bulletin on a mimeograph machine for many, many years. She also belonged to the local Barbers' Auxiliary and held numerous offices, including president of the women's auxiliary of the former DFV German Club on Prairie Avenue. Katherine and John loved bowling with their friends at the DFV and won several trophies as part of a foursome in a bowling league there.
Katherine graduated from Riley High School in 1939 and chaired the class's only reunion 50 years later. She worked at the former Dodge Manufacturing Corp. before joining the U.S. Navy's women's auxiliary (WAVES) early in WWII. After basic training in Oklahoma, she was assigned to duty in Washington, D.C. Before the war, Katherine met the love of her life, John T. Hartman, also of South Bend. John enlisted in the Navy and served aboard the U.S.S. Brooklyn. When he was stationed in New York City, he and Katherine often took the trains between New York City and Washington D.C. to see each other. They were married in the U.S. Navy Chapel in NYC on New Year's Eve, 1944.
After the war, they returned to South Bend and started a family. While John began a long and successful business as a barber, Katherine was active in her children's activities including the Oliver School PTA, and was a leader of the Indian Guides (a popular youth organization in the 1950's). Later, she started her own business, Kate's Letter Service, worked at the former Pot Pourri gift shop on Lincoln Way E., Robo Type Letter Service, Karl Weis Auto Body Shop, and served as a substitute teacher at Oliver and Monroe Schools. Katherine loved to sew, knit, quilt, embroider, crochet, draw, and make many beautiful items for family and friends. She loved to bake and made lamb cakes for friends and family every Easter. One of her greatest joys, however, was giving unexpected gifts to friends and family and seeing the delight in their eyes when the surprise was opened.
With a remarkable memory for detail and a fascination with history, Katherine was the family archivist and enjoyed collecting archival information about her beloved hometown of South Bend. She enjoyed telling stories of what it was like growing up here during the 1920's and 1930's. She was also very proud of her Serbian heritage and her American ancestry on the Thorpe-Spurgeon side.
Katherine is survived by her children: Ellen K. Mathia and Violet (Bill) R. Goodrich of Indianapolis; Linda (Mike) M. Robinson of Fishers, IN, and John L. Hartman of South Bend; seven grandchildren: Dawn Knight of Zionsville, IN, Wendy Mathia of Millersville, MD, Michelle Haas of Charleston, SC, Jeremy Goodrich of Bloomington, IN, Jill Mathia of South Bend, Kirsten Webster of Vail, CO and Brett Goodrich of Indianapolis; eight great-grandchildren, two brothers, George Kovacevich of Orangeburg, SC and Sam Kovacevich of Granger; and a sister, Ruth Dunbar of North Liberty.
She was preceded in death by her husband, John, her sisters, Mary Bishop and Alice Williams; five brothers, Louis, Chris, Robert, Eddie, and an infant brother, Charles; three nephews, Louis Williams, Michael Kovacevich and Robert Thorpe, and a niece, Cindy Kovacevich.
Friends may call on Thursday, June 4, from 11-1 at Immanuel United Methodist Church, 1211 W. Ewing Ave., South Bend, IN 46613, where services will immediately follow visitation. Burial will take place at Southlawn Cemetery. Zahoran Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements. Memorial contributions may be made to Immanuel United Methodist Church. Katherine's family would like to thank Deb, Sharon, and Joe from Grace Hospice and the wonderful, caring staff at Caring Junction, especially Ashley, Jillian, Kara, and Tina. Words cannot express the appreciation we feel for all the love and compassion given to mom while she was in their care!
Published by South Bend Tribune on Jun. 3, 2015.
07/01/2023 EJS
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