Frances Lucille Lahart

December 8, 1918 - May 13, 2018

Frances “Lucille” Lahart, age 99, of Albia, passed away on Sunday, May 13, 2018, at the Monroe Care Center in Albia surrounded by her loving family. Lucille was born on December 8, 1918, at the home place in Weller, IA, to Cornelius (Con) and Frances (Fitzgerald) O’Brien. Lucille graduated from the Albia High School in 1937 and then received her teaching certificate from William Penn College. Lucille married Walter Lahart on January 12, 1943, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Weller and to this union, 9 children were born. Lucille and Walter shared over 64 years of marriage prior to his passing in 2007. Lucille taught in several one room country schools and waitressed at several cafes before taking a job at Chamberlain Manufacturing, from which she retired. After retirement, Lucille provided day care for numerous children for several years. She was a very active member of St. Patrick’s Church in Georgetown and was a member of the Altar and Rosary Society, holding many offices through the years. The Saddle Club was a real enjoyment for Lucille where she worked at the Eat Shack while her family participated in events. She enjoyed sewing-making quilts for all her family, extended family, friends, and any worthy cause that came along. Lucille was known for her baking, homemade candies, planting a large garden, and canning and freezing vegetables. She enjoyed growing her many flowers. She also enjoyed going with Walter to horse races, casinos, and riding around the country on their 4-wheelers. Lucille is survived by her children, Paul Lahart of Albia, Sue Wenke of Donnellson, IA, Connie (Carl) Carter of Albia, and Linda (James) Harwood and Julie Chilton both of Omaha, NE; her grandchildren, Bob (Dori) Wenke of Donnellson, IA, Michelle Webster of Elkhorn, NE, Jim (Paulette) Wenke of West Point, IA, Tonya ( Joe) Scheetz of Dallas City, IL, Tina (Steve) Beary of Albia, Bill (Kristine) Carter of Jacksonville Beach, FL, Brian (Becca) Carter of Albia, Nicole Sales of Cedar Rapids, IA, Cynthia (Bill) Knight of Centerville, IA, Callie (Rich) Johnson of Unionville, IA, and Shonette VerSteegh of Oskaloosa, IA; 26 great grandchildren and 3 great-great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Walter; her parents, Con and Frances; 3 sons, Stephen, Anthony (Tony), and Gary Lahart; a daughter, Diane Fugate; a son-in-law, Robert Wenke; 2 grandsons, Dustin Fugate and Stephen Lahart; a great grandson, Zachary Beary; 3 brothers, Edward, Patricius (Pat) and Gerald O’Brien; and 5 sisters, Gertrude O’Brien, Hannah Murphy, Catherine Lynch, Rose Scieszinski, and Monica (Monnie) O’Neill. Visitation will be held from 1:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m. Wednesday, May 16, 2018, at the Tharp Funeral Home in Albia, with Lucille's family present from 4:00-8:00 p.m. A rosary will be held at 4:00 p.m. led by St. Patrick’s and St. Mary’s Altar and Rosary Societies. A Christian Wake Service will be held at 7:00 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m., Thursday, May 17, 2018, at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Georgetown, with Father Mark Yates, C.PP.S. officiating. Burial will follow services at St. Patrick’s Cemetery in Georgetown. Memorials may be made to St. Patrick’s Catholic Cemetery in Georgetown or to the Ministerial Association.