Martha B. Hart

Martha Baggett Hart 67, of Southbury, CT, passed away on January 28, 2026.

Martha was born on September 26, 1958, to Marie Cadle and Donald Baggett in Evanston, IN. After graduating from Ogdensburg Free Academy in 1976 Martha went on to study Secondary Education at SUNY Plattsburgh.

During her undergraduate career, Martha met Michael Hart in 1977 and they wed in1980. They had two children, Sean Michael and Rachel Mary.

Martha dedicated her life to helping others, beginning her career as a Child Protective Social Worker in Ontario County, NY, in 1990 and ending as Director of Social Services and a Senior Protective Supervisor in 2020. Her commitment to public service also extended to championing women’s rights and safety, participating in the Women’s March of Seneca Falls, NY, in 2017, and volunteering at a local women’s shelter, she also served as warden for the St. John’s Episcopal Church in Clifton Springs, NY, and served as co-chair of the Manchester Centennial Committee.

While spending most of her life in Manchester, NY, Martha enjoyed quality time with her family, gardening in her back yard, watching British dramas, admiring art, and attending local musical productions. She will be remembered affectionately as a loving wife, mother, sister, aunt, grandmother, and godmother; a gifted painter; a seasoned traveler; an affable neighbor; and an extraordinary cook/baker. Martha leaves behind a legacy of resilience, kindness, and advocacy.

Martha was predeceased by her mother, Marie LaRock (née Cadle); father, James C. LaRock; grandmother, Lola Cadle (née Osório); and grandfather, Paul Cadle. She’s survived by her devoted spouse and love of her life, Michael Hart; her son, Sean Hart, and daughter-in-law Mandy Hart, of Lafayette, LA; her daughter, Rachel Hart Melhus, and son-in-law, Leif Melhus, of Newtown, CT; her grandchildren Maci Jane Hart, Erik Flynn Melhus, and Evelyn Marte Melhus; and four siblings: Diane Tuper of Morristown, NY; Susan Boyer of Ogdensburg, NY; James LaRock of Ogdensburg, NY; and Tracy Mallette of Ogdensburg, NY.

Calling hours for Martha Hart will be held on Thursday February 5, 2026 from 9:00 to 10:00 AM at Munson-Lovetere Funeral Home, 235 Main Street North, Southbury, CT. A Memorial service will be at 10:45 AM at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 294 Main Street South, Woodbury, CT. Burial will be private.

To leave an online condolence for the family please visit www.munsonloveterefuneralhome.com