Obituary of Gladys R. Hart

Gladys R. Hart, 91, of State College, died Saturday, March 19, 2022, at home after enduring a long illness with cancer.

Born February 15, 1931, in Glens Falls, NY., she was the daughter of the late John and Mildred Peters. She is survived by sons Lawrence of Albion, PA, Joseph IV (Karin) of Boalsburg, PA, Paul (Susan) of Indiana, PA, Thomas of Tampa, FL, and Kenneth (Darla) of Boalsburg, PA; two daughters Lois Obrock (Ernest) of Boalsburg, PA, and Mary Alice Newnam of Bowling Green, OH. She is survived by 15 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren. We extend a debt of gratitude to Virginia, friend and caregiver for Gladys.

Gladys was preceded in death by her brother John Peters and sister Joyce Peterson, and her husband of 68 years Joseph H Hart III.

Gladys graduated from Schuylerville High School, Schuylerville, NY in 1948. She went on to Samaritan Nursing School in Troy NY, graduating in 1951. She exercised her nursing skills while raising her 7 children and later through private duty nursing in State College.

She was a member of Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church and Our Lady of Victory Funeral Ministry. She spent 40 years as an advocate for the PA Association for Children and Adults with Learning Disabilities. She was a volunteer and advocate for the prison society, and served in prison ministry with Rockview and Benner Prisons. She served as a Vincentian with the St. Vincent de Paul Society in State College, celebrating 25 years of service this past year. As a mother and wife to 6 scouts, she participated in all activities with the troops and was also a financial backer of the Hart Family award for the Juniata Valley Council Boy Scouts of America. She was a devoted wife and mother and loved her family very much.

She was a lifelong example of providing hospitality, whether it was for a volunteering organization, a family birthday party or event, or whether it was for those in need. She loved to prepare the table and open her home for family gatherings especially on "the porch".

She strived to live the Corporal Works of Mercy; feed the hungry, give drink to the thirsty, clothe the naked, shelter the homeless, visit the sick, visit the imprisoned, and bury the dead.

Visitation will be Friday, March 25, 2022, from 11 am to 12 pm at Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church, 820 Westerly Parkway, State College. Mass of Christian burial will begin at 12 pm, with Father Michael Pleva officiating.

Burial will be in Boalsburg Cemetery immediately following the Mass. All are welcome to attend.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to St. Vincent de Paul Society 1300 Benner Pike, Suite B, State College, PA 16801.