Hart, Carolyn Hendrix Age 92, died peacefully at home in Mpls., as she wished, surrounded by people who loved her. She was born in St. Louis at a time when organ grinders' monkeys danced for a penny. During the Depression Carolyn and her family moved to Decatur, Il, where she met Jack Hart. Their married life began at McCormick Seminary in Chicago. Jack served 4 Presbyterian churches. Children Ann and John were born in Fulda, MN; Elizabeth, Thomas, and Sarah, in Tulsa, OK. They also lived in Lakewood, OH, and Springfield, MO. Carolyn was active, in her own fashion, in each church. She proudly "did not play the piano" - often the minister's wife's role. And she didn't wear hats to church, allowing others to drop such strictures. She started a children's library so kids had their own special place. She batiked vestments and paraments, using dyes she made from nature. A fiber artist who loved textiles, she fashioned a quilt for each high school graduation of her 9 grandchildren, and baby quilts for her 7 great-grands, with plenty of extras just in case. Carolyn was known for her wild, haphazard gardens - tended with great love and little preciousness. She kept gardening even when she sometimes toppled gently onto her flowers. She lived in many places and traveled the world. She laughed often, loved life and knew it to be dear. She lost adult children John and Ann and husband Jack far too early. Her last decade included thrice weekly dialysis. Still, she read voraciously, made new friends, and was known for her smile - and for glitter-bombing the family Christmas tree late one Christmas Eve (in her late 80s). Her last weeks were "a love fest" with her 3 children, Beth (Mpls), Tom (Albuq.), and Sarah (Portland, OR), and her grandchildren, great-grands, and other friends and family who gathered in creative ways. Carolyn was overwhelmed by the outpouring: "I am full up with gratitude." So are we! We will gather someday for services, but right here and now, we give thanks to God for her life and the love she gave and received. Memorials may be directed to Westminster Presbyterian Church, 1200 Marquette Ave, Mpls, 55403.

Published on May 3, 2020