Mary Ann Hart
Obituary

Marianne Hart passed away peacefully of natural causes on September 21, 2025, in Long Beach, California. She was born on December 18, 1939, in Boston, Massachusetts.

Marianne lived a life filled with quiet strength, creativity, and love. She was shy and gentle by nature, yet when she felt at ease, she could be lively and engaging, bringing warmth and humor to those around her. She loved dancing and listening to music, and she often expressed herself through poetry. One of her poems, written after Hurricane Katrina, reflects her deep appreciation for beauty, kindness, and the value of life’s small pleasures:

The beauty of nature seems muted
By a cold indifference this week
We disconnect
But for now let's remember starfish,
soft ripe avocados
And our friends,
Respect the earth which sustains us
And be kind

Marianne took great pride in her work at the Los Angeles Public Library, where she served for more than fifteen years in the audio-visual department before continuing her career in smaller branches across Los Angeles County. Her love for books, music, and learning made her a natural fit for a life spent sharing knowledge with others.

One of her proudest achievements was earning her undergraduate degree in English Literature from Cal State Los Angeles, attending classes as a single mother and graduating in her forties. 

She was deeply proud of raising her two children and of her ability to live independently, facing the challenges of a difficult childhood and economic hardship with courage and a stubborn optimism.

She is survived by her daughter Sheilah, her son Brendan, her son-in-law Mark, her daughter-in-law Kassie, and her beloved grandchildren Jamie, Liam, and Jesse.

Her immediate family will celebrate her life in a private ceremony.

Marianne will be remembered for her kindness, her loving heart, and her ability to find joy in life’s quiet moments- crossword puzzles, sunrises, and morning birdsong.