Ruth J. Hart, 82, of Southbury, died peacefully, December 26, at Danbury Hospital, after battling month-long health complications.  She was born May 31, 1931, in Yonkers, New York.

 Her beloved son Larry and his wife, Bonnie, of Newtown; three grandchildren; her sister Elaine Carlen and brother-in-law Henry Carlen, of Toms River, N.J.; and several nieces and nephews survive Ms Hart.

Ms Hart 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 married Bernard Hart, and in 1964 they moved to Long Island, where she became an integral part of the Long Island Opera Company. She performed as 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, Ms Hart retired to Phoenix, Ariz., where she lived before moving to Southbury 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, Ms Hart 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 take place Monday, December 30. The family will receive visitors from 1 to 2 pm, at the Munson-Lovetere Funeral Home, 235 Main Street North, Southbury, with funeral services being held immediately following, officiated by Rabbi Clifford Librach. Interment will proceed at the United Jewish Center Cemetery in Brookfield. 

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in Ms Hart’s honor to the Doris Day Animal League at www.ddal.org, or The Humane Society of the United States at www.humanesociety.org.

Online condolences may be made through www.munsonloveterefuneralhome.com.