Marian Davis "Mimi" Hartney

Marian Davis "Mimi" Hartney, of Naples, Florida, and formerly of Penfield, New York, died peacefully on May 7th after battling cancer bravely for several years. She was 64.

Mimi was born on August 31st, 1957, in Norfolk, Virginia, to David C. and Marian (Ransburg) Hartney. A natural athlete, she was the first choice for neighborhood pick-up games, having the distinction of being the child who could hit the wiffle ball across the street. She went on to play on the boys’ high school varsity tennis team and earned a spot on the all-conference tennis team while a student at Allegheny College in Meadville, PA. Mimi was a gifted musician and played the piano, organ, flute and violin. 

An imp from the beginning, Mimi carried her quick wit, strong will, generous heart, and work ethic throughout life. She loved reading and enjoyed friendly and challenging competition: paddle tennis, golf, tennis…and Scrabble. She also had a keen sense for order and aesthetic, whether it be creating an event flyer, arranging merchandise on a shop floor, or giving her brother much needed wardrobe advice. Mimi delighted in sushi and saki, and in getting her hands dirty in the soil of her garden, from raising tomatoes and other vegetables in Penfield to bananas and papayas in Naples. She also enjoyed adventures and vacations with her family in fun and far-away places such as The Finger Lakes, Alaska, Vancouver, Breckenridge, and on European rivers from Budapest to Amsterdam. 

On the faculty of Allendale Columbia School for 25 years, Mimi taught physical education and coached girls’ soccer and volleyball. She fell in love with the beach before she could walk, and retired to Naples, Florida, where she worked in the pro shop at Palmira Golf Club and enjoyed her colleagues and the members. 

Mimi is survived by her best friend and partner, Bonnie Gallea, with whom she shared three children, Chris, Michelle and Lisa, and seven grandchildren. She is also survived by her parents of Pittsford, NY, brother David (Donna), sister Ann Matteson (Keith), four nephews, a great niece, and many wonderful friends.  Mimi was predeceased by her four beloved dogs - Gretel, Fred, Jake, and Sophie.  

A memorial service will be held at the Pittsford Presbyterian Church in Pittsford, NY on August 13, 2022 at 11:00 a.m.

Donations are encouraged to the Avow Hospice and the American Cancer Society.