WakeEd is honored to announce the Kathy Hartenstine Memorial Fund to support childhood literacy through the Partners Read program. Kathy was a lifelong educator, dedicating more than 35 years to Wake County Public School System as a teacher and principal. Committed to the educators and families of our community, she served as a member of the Wake County School Board following her retirement.
Kathy’s children, Melissa and Julie, remember their mom as “passionate about education and dedicated to her career. She invested her time and energy into improving access and quality for all children.” Honored by the launch of the Kathy Hartenstine Memorial Fund, they conclude, “There is no better way to carry on her legacy than the gift of education through books partnered with involvement from the community.”
Community members inspired by Kathy’s zeal for life and education launched the fund. Neighbors Ted Botzum and Patty Oakes remember Kathy as someone who “touched the lives of everyone with her love, knowledge, light and joy.” They hope the Memorial Fund will “continue her legacy for love of children and will continue to educate and inspire.“
Investments in the Kathy Hartenstine Memorial Fund will be used to purchase books that will become part of children’s personal libraries. Funds will be directed to specific WCPSS Partners Read schools that Kathy served. Investments to the fund may be made to WakeEd Partnership, with designation for the Kathy Hartenstine Memorial Fund.
