Edith “Edie” Hart, 97, passed away on Sunday, May 10, 2026, at home surrounded by her loved ones. She was born July 19, 1928, to Frederick and Agnus Herrmann of Lee, IL. She was married June 18, 1949, to Jerome “Jerry” Hart in Lee, IL. They remained married for 52 years until his death on May 27, 2002.

She was a proud graduate of Waterman High School in 1947 and later attended and graduated from Rockford School of Beauty. She and friend Jeanette Cook opened their own shop “A Wee Bit of Lee” in Lee. She left the business world in March of 1950 with birth of her first child, Jane. Her lifelong career became her family, which was her greatest pride and deepest love. They raised 7 children on a farm in Kirkland, IL: Jane, Fred (Dianne), Don, Lori Schiebel (Tracy), Terri Blackmer (Jim), Dan (Kay), and Tom (Lori). 8 grandchildren: Katie, Kim, Lisa, Bob, Andy, Amanda, LeAnna, and Mike; and 8 great grandchildren. She is predeceased by one infant daughter, Kimberly and her husband.

Special thanks to the nurses and staff at St. Croix Hospice for their kindness, dedication, and support shown to our family.

A visitation will take place on Sunday, May 17, from 3:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. at Fitzgerald Funeral Home, Mulford Chapel, 1860 S. Mulford Road, Rockford IL, 61108. A second visitation will take place from 10:00 a.m. until the time of Funeral Mass at 11:00 a.m. at St. Rita Catholic Church, 6254 Valley Knoll Drive, Rockford Il, 61108. Burial at Arlington Memorial Park Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Special Olympics. To share condolences and memories online please visit, www.fitzgeraldfh.com.