Karen Slamas Hartt

Karen Slamas Hartt

Of Lakeview, PA

Karen Slamas Hartt of Lakeview, PA, wife of Jerome P. Hartt for 37 years, passed away on Saturday, August 16, 2025, surrounded by her family. She was a devoted mother to Victoria Page Hartt Salinkas and her husband, John, and the proud grandmother, lovingly known as “Gah,” to John Jerome “JJ” and Jakob Page Salinkas. Karen is also survived by her cherished siblings: Marie Hornbeck, Sharon Kotowski (Paul), and Mary Peters, beloved cousin, Marlene Price, as well as many nieces, nephews, and extended family members who held her close.

She is predeceased by her mother, Marian Slamas, her father, Victor Slamas, and her brothers, Victor and Daniel Slamas.

Karen was a graduate of Forest City Regional High School and earned her bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Wilson College in 1977 and a Master’s in Social Work from Marywood University in 1992. In 1996, she co-founded her private practice, Valley Counseling Associates PC, with her partner and best friend, Donna. For over 20 years, they provided invaluable support to the community, specifically abused and neglected children.

Following her retirement, she cherished spending winters at her villa in Hilton Head, South Carolina, alongside her husband, Jerry. One of the greatest joys of this chapter in her life was sharing the same retirement community with her longtime and beloved friend, Robyn.

Karen’s heart for others extended beyond her profession. She was an active and dedicated member of both her community and church, always ready to offer help and support.

As the eldest of six children, Karen played an essential role as both sister and co-parent to her siblings. The Hartt Dairy Homestead was a place of love, wisdom, and warmth. She imparted both generational wisdom and an enduring love for family to everyone she encountered. A proud member of the Lithuanian Society, Karen cherished learning about her heritage and family lineage. She visited Lithuania twice during her life, experiencing the deep connection she held to her roots.

Above all, Karen was an incredible mother to Vikki, imparting love and strength. But the title she held most dear was that of “Gah,” a grandmother to her two grandsons, JJ and Jakob. With the birth of JJ and Jakob, Karen’s heart swelled with a love unlike any other. “The boys” became the center of her world, and it was their love that gave her the courage to face her battle with illness.

Her upending strength and perseverance were incredible despite her decades-long fight with cancer. While Karen is no longer with us, the love she gave and the lessons she taught will live on through her family, especially her “boys.” Her legacy of devotion, compassion, and resilience will forever be carried in the hearts of those who were fortunate enough to know her.

The viewing will be held under the direction of Hennessey’s Funeral Home on Tuesday, August 26, 2025, from 10 a.m. till 12 p.m. at St. Martin’s Church in Jackson Township, PA. Directly following, there will be the funeral service at 12 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to: Susquehanna Branch Library Children’s Programs 83 Erie Blvd Ste C Susquehanna PA 18847