Ruth J. Hart, 82, of Southbury, Connecticut died peacefully on Thursday, December 26, 2013, at Danbury Hospital after battling month-long health complications. Ruth is survived by her beloved son Larry, and his wife Bonnie, of Newtown, Connecticut, three grandchildren - Ashley, Brandon and Quinlan, her sister Elaine Carlen and brother-in-law Henry Carlen, of Toms River, New Jersey, and several nieces and nephews.
Born May 31, 1931 in Yonkers, New York, Ruth graduated from Yonkers High School in 1947. Afterward, she studied music and sang in local opera companies, concert ensembles and on television, while working as a secretary in New York City as her "day job." She would later marry Bernard Hart. In 1964 they moved to Long Island where Ruth became an integral part of the Long Island Opera Company, performing as a the lead soprano for many years. She was also proud to have served as the President of the Floral Park Cultural Affairs Council.
In 1994, Ruth retired to Phoenix, Arizona, where she lived before moving to Southbury, Connecticut in October 2008 to spend her remaining years close to her family. Recently she enjoyed being involved with the Heritage Village Singers and the Theatre Guild.
In addition to her passion for opera and music in general, Ruth was an avid animal lover. She adopted many cats throughout her lifetime, supported numerous animal shelters, and regularly advocated on behalf of animal rights.
Services will be held on Monday, December 30, 2013. The family will be receiving visitors from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm at the Munson-Lovetere Funeral Home (235 Main Street North, Southbury, CT) with funeral services being held immediately following, officiated by Rabbi Clifford Librach. Interment will proceed at the United Jewish Center Cemetery in Brookfield, Connecticut.

Memorials: In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you consider making a donation in Ruth's honor to the Doris Day Animal League (www.ddal.org), or The Humane Society of the United States (www.humanesociety.org.

Cemetery: Cemetery Not Applicable

Location: Munson-Lovetere Southbury

Services: A Funeral service will take place on Monday, December 30, 2013 at the Southbury Funeral Home of Munson-Lovetere, 235 Main St. North at 2 p.m.

Visitation: Friends may call the funeral home on Monday from 1 p.m. until the time of service. Burial will follow in United Jewish Center Cemetery in Brookfield at 3 p.m.