Funeral Services Set for Teenage Fire Victim

Funeral services have been scheduled for Hope Hart-Hartnett, the teenage girl who lost her life in a raging fire at her Hassmar Road home late Wednesday night.

The funeral will be held Friday, Nov. 2 with a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. in St. Bernard's Church, 424 Hazard Ave., Enfield. Funeral director Buddy Browne asks that all mourners proceed directly to the church. Burial will follow in St. Patrick's King Street Cemetery.

Calling hours will be Thursday, Nov. 1 from 2-6 p.m. at Browne Memorial Funeral Chapels, 43 Shaker Rd., Enfield.

Hart-Hartnett, 13, was an eighth-grade student at John F. Kennedy Middle School. In the school's hub, friends and classmates have covered several walls with notes, photos and tributes to her.

In a note to parents sent home with all students Thursday, Kennedy principal Tim Van Tasel wrote, "Hope was an enthusiastic and popular member of our middle level learning community. She will be greatly missed by family, friends and the many teachers whose lives she has touched."

Van Tasel said grief counselors were available to students and staff at the school Thursday and Friday.

A candlelight vigil, organized by young friends of the victim, was held Thursday night in front of her home in the Shaker Pines Lake section of Enfield.

About 450 people attended the vigil, including Mayor Scott Kaupin, Rep. David Kiner and Shaker Pines Fire Chief Charlie Macsata. About a dozen speakers vocalized their thoughts and memories of Hope.

Her brother, Nick, is currently serving in the U.S. Air Force in North Dakota, and was unable to attend the vigil, He did, however, thank everyone in attendance via speakerphone, expressing his gratitude for what they have done for his family. He is due to arrive back home Thursday afternoon.

Donations to aid Hope's family are being accepted Friday night during Fermi Fest at Fermi High School between 7-9 p.m. Donors may also contact Nelson Rodriguez, president of the Shaker Pines Lake Association, at 860-818-1018.