Nessa Hartley

On January 15, 2019, Heaven gained a new guardian angel in Nessa Hartley, 56.

Nessa was born the fourth child of Lee and Jackie Hargroder. Born and raised in Baton Rouge, Nessa graduated Redemptorist High School in 1980. In 1984, she married Peter Hartley, and quickly started a family. Pete and Nessa became parents to 3 children: Jake, Megan, and Seth. She loved her family so deeply, and with such passion, that no words can effectively describe. With the abundance of love that she possessed, Nessa became a preschool teacher at St. Thomas More. During her almost two decades of work, she touched the lives of hundreds of children. Upon retiring from the preschool, Nessa became a full time ‘Nana’, arguably her favorite career. With five grandchildren, she had her hands full (of candy), but she wouldn’t have it any other way.

Nessa had love pouring out of her and wanted to share it with everyone. A simple look she gave could light up a room and warm your heart. Her laughter was contagious, when Nessa laughed, she made sure everyone was laughing. You could often find her out shopping, always with a coupon and always looking for the sale. Nessa never met a stranger, when she was out, someone always recognized her and stopped her to chat.  She loved to talk, and relished in the opportunity to dote on one of her children or grandchildren.

Always ready to entertain, Nessa kept her house spotless with a full kitchen. If you came over, expect to have her offer you an array of options she could whip up in the blink of an eye. Her only concern was your happiness, and she made you feel like the most important person on earth. Anyone that knew her had a favorite ‘Nessa’ dish, and she always knew what it was. On any special occasion, whether it be a holiday, your birthday, or just a day she thought you needed to smile, you favorite dish was waiting for you. And she was waiting for you to try it; because it had to be perfect. Nessa had to make everything perfect for you. And it always was.

Nessa is survived by her husband Peter Hartley, son Jake Hartley and wife Amanda, daughter Megan Cotten and husband Shay, son Seth Hartley; brother Kenneth Hargroder, sisters Donna Adams and Cheryl LeBlanc, her father Lee Hargroder, brother-in-law Nick Hartley, sisters-in-law Heidi Hartley and Pam Hartley, her nieces and nephews Heather, Erin, Blake, Jennifer, Aimee, Ashleigh, Tanner, TJ, Ethan, Benjamin, Michael, and her five pride and joy grandchildren Kennedy, Mason, Lilly, Logan, and Kate.

She is preceded in death by her mother Jacqueline Hargroder.

Visiting hours will take place at St. Thomas More Church on Friday, January 18, from 9-11 am until services at 11 am. Burial will follow at Resthaven Funeral home.

Pallbearers will be family and friends.

Flowers can be sent to Resthaven Funeral Home 11817 Jefferson Hwy, Baton Rouge, LA, 70816.

Family and friends may sign the online guestbook or leave a personal note to the family at www.resthavenbatonrouge.com