OBITUARY Juanita “Johnnie” Hart July 6, 1925 – October 4, 2018 Juanita Jean Harter Hart (“Johnnie”), 93, of Wethersfield, passed away peacefully in her home on October 4, 2018, surrounded by family and clergy. Born on July 6, 1925 and raised in Hicksville, Long Island, Johnnie was the daughter of the late Neclessen and Hedwig (Thieme) Harter, and wife of the late Stephen C. Hart of Wethersfield, to whom she was married for 36 years. Johnnie financed her post-graduate education during and after high school by working as a secretary for the principal at Hicksville High, then as a stenographer in New York City.
She also worked as a secretary for a children’s encyclopedia company called, “Wonderland of Knowledge”. Johnnie graduated from Wittenburg College in Springfield, Ohio, with a BA in Sociology and Psychology. While a student, she worked as a secretary for the sociology department and typed theses for professors.
She also worked in the Admissions office at Wittenburg. Following her graduation in 1951, Johnnie spent 2 years advancing her education by attending UConn’s School of Social Work, the Graduate School at Springfield College, and Hartford Seminary, where she earned a Master’s Degree in Church Social Work. After graduating from seminary, Johnnie worked for 5 years as Assistant to the Dean of Hartford Seminary.
Johnnie married her husband Steve in 1952. While raising three sons, plus Steve’s teenage brother Hank, Johnnie was active in her community. She volunteered as a Cub Scout den mother for local handicapped boys.
Johnnie was President of both the League of Women Voters and the Jr. Women’s Club of Wethersfield. She also served as President of the Griswoldville Chapel Ladies Aide Society. She loved to host parties and meetings at her home.
Johnnie also enjoyed gardening, singing, traveling with her son Michael, and helping others in any way she could. She regularly visited thrift shops and tag sales in order to buy things for people in need. Johnnie Hart was an active member of First Church of Christ in Wethersfield for over 60 years.
She enjoyed serving as a deacon, Inreach Chair, church school teacher, member of the Meetinghouse Renovation team, greeter, Sunday receptionist, Tres Dias participant, choir member, and she even got a special license to drive the church van! Johnnie Hart also worked on staff at the church for many years, serving as Administrative Assistant of Caring Ministries under Directors Grace Morgan, Cindy McDowell and Joan Deifell. She began working there after her husband died and she retired (the first time) at age 70 so she could spend more time with her grandchildren.
But Johnnie continued to volunteer at First Church so often that it wasn’t long before she was officially re-hired to serve through Caring Ministries. She loved her job and her church so much but, at age 80, she decided to retire again. Of course, she continued volunteering at the church for as long as her health allowed!
Johnnie leaves behind three sons: Stephen C. Hart Jr. (and fiancé, Tammy Pollard Coffey) of Cromwell; Timothy C. Hart (and wife, Laurie) of Wethersfield; and Michael S. Hart of Wethersfield. Johnnie found tremendous joy in being a grandmother and was blessed to have two grandchildren: Jennifer J. Hart of Brooklyn, NY; and Daniel S. Hart of Wethersfield. She is also survived by a brother, the Rev.
Harold (“Hal”) Harter (and wife, Gloria) of Newport News, Virginia; a sister-in-law, Debbie Hart of Southington; and many nephews, nieces and cousins. Johnnie was predeceased by her brother, the Rev. Robert N. Harter and his wife, Joy; her sister, Irma L. Harter; and brother-in-law Henry (“Hank”) Hart.
A Celebration of Life will be held for Johnnie Hart on Thursday, October 18 at 2:00 p.m. at the First Church of Christ, 250 Main Street, Wethersfield. There are no calling hours. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the First Church of Christ and sent to the address above.
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