Beverly Jean Hart, 79

Beverly Jean Hart, 79, a resident of Missoula, and formerly of Polson, left us on Jan. 21, 2024, at St. Patrick Hospital, surrounded by the love of her family, after bravely facing the challenges of a stroke.

A graveside service to celebrate Jeannie’s life will be held on a later date at Lake View Cemetery in Polson, where she will be laid to rest beside her beloved husband, Charles Hart, who preceded her in death in 2007.

Born on July 21, 1944, to Edwin and Lillian LaBelle, Jeannie spent her formative years in Wibaux, Mont., and graduated from Wibaux County High School. In 1963, she married Charles Hart of Circle, and together they embarked on a journey that would see the addition of five children to their loving family.

Jeannie’s commitment to education and nurturing extended beyond her immediate family. For many years, she ran a preschool, finding joy in watching the children grow and learn. Her dedication to the community led her to serve as a lunch lady at Polson High School, where she took great pride in witnessing former preschool students pass through the lunch line, greeting her with love and hugs. This passion was reignited later in life as she had the opportunity to volunteer in her grandkids’ lunchroom at St. Joseph Elementary.

Jeannie was a pillar of support at the Catholic Church, always ready to lend a helping hand. Known for her caregiving spirit, she assisted friends in need, embodying a true sense of compassion and generosity.

Her family meant everything to her, and she cherished the bonds that held them together. Jeannie’s legacy is one of forgiveness, love, joy and service. Despite life’s challenges, she remained resilient and giving, showing us all the importance of embracing each moment with a full and open heart.

Jeannie’s unwavering commitment to family extended to every aspect of their lives. She was a devoted grandmother who rarely missed one of her kids’ or grandkids’ sporting events, cheering them on with unmatched enthusiasm and pride.

Sundays were a sacred day for Jeannie, as she faithfully attended Mass, finding solace and strength in her faith. A game of cards or dice was a cherished tradition in the Hart household, where laughter and friendly competition filled the room. Family dinners, with Jeannie at the heart of the gathering, were a testament to her love for togetherness and the joy found in sharing moments around the table.

Her love for her family extended to the kitchen, where she delighted in preparing her grandkids’ favorite breakfast – French pancakes. Her legacy lives on through the patient and loving way she shared her secret recipe, passing it down to each grandchild. In these simple yet profound ways, Jeannie created a legacy of love, presence, and joy that will forever resonate within the hearts of her family.

Her love knew no bounds, extending to the dear friends at the Grizzly Peak Retirement Home, who provided unwavering support in her final year. She also cherished the ladies of her book club, coffee group, Red Hats, and all of the lifelong friendships from Polson, Wibaux and her church community.

Jeannie Hart’s spirit will forever live on in the hearts of those she loved and touched. May she rest in eternal peace, reunited with her beloved Charles.

Jeannie is survived by her daughters, Debra Burke (Tom) of Missoula, Marcia Vandeberg (Todd) of Polson, Sheila White (Roger) of Missoula, and Paula Crews (Scott) of Missoula; her son, Bradley Hart (Casey) of Lolo; her grandkids, Diana Hughes (Chris) of Polson, Derek Davis of Polson, Brett Vandeberg of Phoenix, Jaelin Moldenhauer (Chris) of Polson, Kailey Burt (Dylan) of Missoula, Kelsey White of Maui, Haiden, Zac and Mason Crews of Missoula, and Zoey and Gracie Hart of Lolo; and her great-grandkids, Landyn, Harper, Sawyer, Palmer and Rowyn Hughes, Brittian Davis, Bekham, Sterling and Marek Vandeberg, Talen and Taryn Cochran, Teagan Moldenhauer, and future Baby Burt. She’s also survived by her brothers, Michael (Darlene) LaBelle and Duane LaBelle; her sister-in-law, Stella LaBelle; and numerous nieces and nephews. She had so many additional people that called her Grandma Jeannie that the list is too long to mention all of you but she sure loved each of you!

She is preceded in death by her husband, Charles Hart; parents Edwin and Lillian LaBelle; brother Larry LaBelle; her sister and brother-in-law Cathy and Gary Nelson; her sister Judy Dire; her in-laws Vernon and Doris Hart; her brother-in-law and sister-in-law Patrick and Donna Hart and Dick and Shirley Hart; brother-in-laws Dean Hart and Bob Hinnaland; and her granddaughter Dara Davis.