Vivian
Hart
October
9, 1916 — March 4, 2008
On March 3, 2008, a
beautiful day in Laguna Woods, California, Vivian
Lidgard Hart’s eternal soul departed on the train to
glory to join her late husband Hal of 60 years and her younger sisters
Dorothy (Babe) Harper and
Helen Wayne in the next life. Her physical body expired just past
midnight. Unofficial cause of death was Ripe
Old Age of 91. She was the beloved mother of Hal, Jr. (Buzz, with his wife Ruth),
Meredith Ann Jury, and Charles (Chuck),
and granddaughters Erika and Alison — all of whom were with her in her
final days and will miss her dearly.
It was Vivian’s
decision, typical of her strength and determination, to have all
treatment and nutrition suspended and to return home from the hospital
when internal problems were not resolving themselves. She wished
to die in familiar surroundings with family and caregivers, under
hospice care. She was comfortable at home for 4+ days before the
end, and conscious until her final hours, regaling her granddaughters
and everyone else with humor and fond memories from throughout her life.
Born in Indiana to Josephine (Jay) and Harrison (Harry) Lidgard on October 9, 1916,
Vivian was engaged in music, photography, historical research, and
swimming,
horseback riding and golf among other sports in her early years.
Married on her birthday in 1942 to Halbert Marvin Hart (a Montana-raised chemical engineer she
met via their common interest in playing Bridge), she was
primarily a wife and mother in her adult life — but those simple titles
can not do her justice: She was the heart and soul of her family,
always supportive and encouraging, teaching everyone (often by example)
values and broad interests. She was devoted to her family, Presbyterian
churches, and service activities; had a smile for every situation; and
was just a pleasure to be around.
With more than
her share of medical/health issues, Vivian always maintained a positive
attitude, and was proud of living longer than anyone ever had in her
family. And, that since moving to California in 1999, she made 69
consecutive concerts at the LA Music Center with Meredith.
Nevertheless, for years she has been ready to move on when her
time comes.
She died at
peace and in dignity, exactly as she scripted the scene: In her last breath of
consciousness, she folded her hands in
prayer and announced she was now going to say her final prayers. Her
will, her emotional strength, and her faith have made this event a
life celebration and so easy for the rest of us. A grand exit for a
grand lady!
Vivian spent her
youth and almost half her adulthood in Indiana, and a few years each in
Utah, Missouri, and California. But, because she fell in love
with the Rocky Mountains after meeting Hal and they enjoyed 21 years of
retirement living in Colorado Springs, a memorial — A
Celebration of Vivian — is being planned for Rocky Mountain
National Park on July 10.
Contributions in
Vivian’s name should be made to the Braille Institute.
Return to
Vivian's photo page.
