Evelyn Hart Obituary

Celebrating the Life of Evelyn Reese Hart
Born Willie Evelyn Reese on January 24, 1931 in Phoenix Arizona, Evelyn Hart died on November 23, 2022 at age 91. Her youth took her and her family from Oklahoma to Eugene, Oregon and then to Pomona, California before settling in Newport Beach in the 1950's. She passed peacefully on her own terms without medical aid after trying to recover from a stroke. A wife, mother, sister, aunt, grandmother, great-grandmother and great-great grandmother; she is survived by many, especially her beloved husband of 65 years, John Lynn Hart. Evelyn was also a wise and spiritual woman and a devoted member of the Citizen Band Potawatomi Nation-People of the Place of the Fire.
Evelyn lived her life to its fullest, and her positive energy ensured a good time for herself and all those around her. From working at NPB police department, to joining her husband's family business at Hart's Sporting Goods, to serving on the city's park and recreation department, to city council member, to mayor of Newport Beach, she never lost her drive and energy to serve her city. She had a personal and professional commitment to keep the city of Newport Beach prosperous while respectively keeping intact its beautiful environment. One of her proudest accomplishments is forever preserving the view from development of the Back Bay at the intersection of Coast Highway and Jamboree. Her love and care for homeless animals is surpassed only by her support for Newport's elderly. "Newport's Sweetheart" The Honorable Evelyn Hart, was a hard working member of Oasis Senior Services, Youth Employment Services, NPB Animal Shelter, Stop Polluting Our Newport, AIRFARE, The Blind Institute of Ca., Water Board of Ca., and the Coastline College Board. Evelyn was also proudly named The Citizen of the Year and dignitary of sister cities Osaka, Japan and Antibes, France.
Evelyn's personal contributions to society are endless, and those memories are left to the people who know her best. Evelyn was loyal, encouraging and always had her friends' backs. Her infectious smile was beautiful. She loved entertaining, boating, and gardening. Evelyn was a master bridge player, a Native American beader and a slayer of books. She was a leader who never stopped challenging to better herself and her community. Evelyn Hart was truly a grand lady.
There are no services planned at this time. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Newport Beach Animal Shelter: 20302 Riverside Dr. Newport Beach, Ca 92660.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Daily Pilot on Dec. 4, 2022.

Memories and Condolences
for Evelyn Hart

10 Entries

Arthur A Cobian

November 23, 2024

It´s her two year Anniversary of her passing. She will forever be the bright star and authentic friend. I imagine her in heaven sailing or motoring a boat out for adventures with her family and friends. Thank you E for the memories and your spirit. Take care.

janet brooks

November 23, 2023

I miss you every day.

Margie (McCashland) Gutierrez

October 25, 2023

My condolences to the Hart family, I´m the sister of Mike McCashland who was the ex son in-law and he had nothing but fond memories of Mrs. Hart, as well as enjoying her accomplishments of the improvement of the back bay; he grow up there since he was a child and went there everyday up to his passing.
My sister Mary still talks about her wonderful times she shared with the Hart family.

Sincerely,

Margie (McCashland) Gutierrez

Jerry P Sainte Marie

December 24, 2022

One of the most endearing grand ladies I have ever met-a loss to all who met her.

Paula Coleman

December 12, 2022

"Auntie" Evelyn was part of my family from the time I was 3 years old. My mom and her became great friends and my parents stood up for her and "Uncle" Lynn when they got married. I am broken hearted, there are no words. I moved from California in June and just learned of her passing. She was truly one of my most treasured memories. May she RIIP and I hope she and mom are chatting up a storm. A special hug to my oldest friend Pammy.

Paula Coleman

Paul Torres

December 5, 2022

Love and prayers to Evelyn Hart family and friends also God bless you to Evelyn Hart family and friends also I miss my friend Evelyn Hart very much also I love my Evelyn Hart very much also Rest In pease. Amen. Your friend Paul Torres.

P. S. Paul love Evelyn forever very much.

Debbie Johnson Atkinson

December 4, 2022

I am forever blessed to have become a friend of Evelyn over 20 years ago as we served together on the YMCA Counseling Center of OC. What a delight to be in her company and have conversations with. RIP dear Evelyn. You touched the heart and lives of all who knew you.

John Conway

December 2, 2022

As a the city's former City Arborist from 1993 - 2016, I have many fond memories of Mrs. Hart as kind, well-informed and thoughtful citizen of Newport Beach with the interest of the community always primary when engaged in a community issue. She indeed was and always will be an icon of the lovely community of Newport Beach. May her family be comforted by the Lord with the loss of this wonderful lady.

Arthur Cobian

December 2, 2022

Thank you for your spirit

Arthur Cobian

November 30, 2022

Dearest, My condolences to your Friends and Family. Evelyn was an amazing person. Truly a shining positive light everywhere she would go. The privilege of getting to be around her and her commitment to the Community was and will be forever enduring. I know in my heart she would not want us to be sad. She always was looking for a fun adventure to bring her friends along. I recall visiting her and planning a surprise Birthday party for a friend. She was so excited and Happy. Her smile and twinkle in her eye made you feel better. She is Newport Beaches finest Citizen and a rare Gem. I know that she did not want us to fuss over her. She would want us to celebrate her transitioning to the afterlife. Her spirit will live on forever in my Heart. Love you Evelyn.
Respectfully,
Arthur Cobian

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