Karen Ann Hartnagle

Karen A Hartnagle
Carmel
Karen Hartnagle passed away at her home on July 1, 2022 after a valiant battle with pancreatic cancer. She was born January 1, 1945 in Gloversville, NY to Mary Burke and James Hartnagle, spending most of her early years in the care of loving grandparents. When Karen was seven, she moved with her mother to Miami, Florida, where her mother owned and operated a nursing home.
Karen graduated from Southwest Miami High School in 1962, and earned a BA degree in Psychology at the University of Florida, Gainesville. She came to Maine for her MA degree at the University of Maine, Orono. For the last 25 years, while working at Community Health and Counseling in Bangor, Karen carved out a unique role. She wrote grants and developed dance and musical theatre programs that afforded hundreds of children the opportunity to experience music and dance weekly in numerous local schools. Teaching kids resilience and joy through the arts was her passion.
Another mission in life for Karen was to employ teaching artists, who she felt lacked recognition for all they brought to the world. The arts were a central love for her with a special place in her heart for Broadway. She also loved to travel and felt it was a wonderful way to open up to other parts of the world. She worked for and supported many peace and justice organizations and prayed for peace in the world.
The loves of Karen’s life and the source of much joy were her beloved golden retrievers, Imagine and Natasha (Tasha).
Although Karen had no siblings or close family, she felt blessed to have friends who were her “family”. She felt that she couldn’t have lived a richer life.
Relatives and friends are invited to share conversation and refreshments 4 pm to 6 pm, Saturday July 23, 2022 at the Family Reception Center of Brookings-Smith, 163 Center St. Bangor.
Donations can be made in Karen’s name to an animal welfare agency or social justice organization of your choosing.
Condolences may be sent to BrookingsSmith.com.