Mary Lynda Hart

Mary Lynda Hart

May 30, 1942 – January 31, 2022

Survived by husband, Eugene Hart; sons: Gene Hart (Mary), Brian Hart (Amy), Greg Hart; six grandchildren: Jared, Shannon, Jeffrey, Mikey, Matthew, Emmy.

VISITATION: Monday, February 7^th from 5pm to 7pm followed by VIGIL SERVICE at 7pm, all at West Center Chapel.  MASS OF CHRISTIAN BURIAL: Tuesday, February 8^th at 10:30am at St Robert Bellarmine Catholic Church, 11802 Pacific Street.  Interment: Calvary Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Stephen Center.

To view a live broadcast of the Vigil Service, please go to www.heafeyheafey.com and click the “View Live Cast” button on the home page.  To view a live broadcast of the Mass, visit www.stroberts.com.

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Mary Lynda Hart, aged 79.  Mary was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, teacher, and friend.  She was an incredibly upbeat, joyous person who enriched the lives of all who knew her.  Mary centered her life around her family, faith, teaching, and embracing all that life had to offer.

She was preceded in death by father, Jacob Epler; mother, Velma Epler; sister-in-law, Pat Fiore; brothers-in-law, Joe Fiore and Kenny Hart.  She is survived by husband, Gene; sons: Gene (Mary), Brian (Amy), and Greg; grandchildren: Jared, Shannon, Jeffrey, Mikey, Matthew and Emmy; niece, Keri DeAngelo (Michael).

Mary Lynda Hart was born on May 30, 1942, to Jacob and Velma (Shrewsbury) Epler in Nebraska City, Nebraska.  She grew up in Julian, Nebraska, a bustling town with a population of 80, working in the grocery store and butcher shop owned by her parents and attending elementary school in a one-room schoolhouse.  Mary later moved on to Brock High School where she graduated second in her class in 1960.

She attended college at Nebraska Wesleyan in Lincoln, Nebraska where she was active in the Delta Zeta Sorority.  At Nebraska Wesleyan Mary participated in the university marching band as a clarinet player where, in addition to other performances, she marched at halftime at Soldier Field at a Chicago Bears game.  She graduated in 1963 with a degree in education.

After graduation Mary moved to New York City (the Julian of New York) to pursue a career in teaching.  She was a junior high school English teacher and private tutor during her time in New York.   

While living in New York, she met her beloved partner in life, Gene.  They were married on August 26, 1967, in Paul, Nebraska.  Mary and Gene remained in New York where she continued her teaching career and completed her Master’s Degree in 19th Century American Literature at St. John’s University.  It was also here that they welcomed their first child, Gene, on August 13, 1969.

In 1972 the family relocated from New York to Omaha, NE (they traded Wall Street for Dodge Street).  It was here that they welcomed their second child, Brian, on August 9, 1973, and their third child, Greg, on May 15, 1976.  During this time in Omaha, Mary was a devoted wife and mother yet still found time for part-time and substitute teaching, volunteer work notably at the Stephen Center and the YWCA Crisis Line and became an avid bowler and golfer, even recording a hole-in-one which she struck with “my driver of course.”

In 2003 Gene and Mary retired, purchasing a home in Homosassa, Florida where they spent winters playing golf and hosting family and friends.  During this time, they enjoyed travel all around the world, attending their grandkids events, visiting relatives around the country, and enjoying sporting events including Nebraska football and the College World Series.

Starting in the summer of 2021, Mary was battling to get healthy enough to undergo an operation.  She endured weeks of hospital stays, and months of grueling physical and occupational therapy and many medical treatments.  Sadly, that battle ended on January 31, 2022, and she went on to be with her Lord.  Those who knew her as Mary Lynda, Ep, Mary, Farmer, Mom, Grandma, or Brat Doll will miss her greatly but take comfort knowing she is in a better place resting in peace.