Anastasia Joanne Catherine Mary Uher Hart

Biography / Obituary / Death Notice for ANASTASIA JOANNE CATHERINE MARY UHER HART ? 23 March 1952 — 23 April 2009 Rosary Vigil Service: 7:00 p.m., Friday, 1 May 2009 Funeral Mass: 9:00 a.m., Saturday, 2 May 2009 Holy Family Church, 505 – 17th Street Southeast, Auburn, WA 98002 For Details See: www.klontzfuneralhome.com --------------------------------------------------------------- Rosary Vigil Service: 7:00 p.m., Friday, 8 May 2009 Funeral Mass: 10:30 a.m., Saturday, 9 May 2009 Immaculate Conception Church, 2300 South Smithville Road, Dayton, OH 45420 Internment: 11:00 a.m., Monday, 11 May 2009 Dayton National Cemetery, 4100 West Third Street, Dayton, OH 45428-1088 ———————————————————————————————————————— ANASTASIA JOANNE CATHERINE MARY UHER HART ? Anastasia was born to George Albert Uher and Irene Catherine (Medise) Uher on 23 March 1952 in St. John’s Hospital in Cleveland, Ohio. She was baptized Joanne Catherine Uher and took the name Mary as her Confirmation name, but at the University of Dayton she was only known as Anastasia (she liked that name from the Litany of the Saints and she did not like being called “Jo”). As a graduation present at the end of her senior year at U. D., her husband-to-be, Michael, had her name legally changed. Although Anastasia was born in Cleveland, she grew up in St. Rita Parish in Solon, Ohio and received her high school diploma from Solon High School. In high school, she was active in the Pep Club, Latin Club, Math Club, Science Club, Drama Club, and American Foreign Studies. Anastasia was Assistant Editor of the school newspaper, the “Comet Courier” in her freshman year, and was President of the Math Club in her senior year. She was a member of the National Honor Society in her junior and senior years. Anastasia was also an avid ice-skater, taking lessons and practicing whenever her time would permit. Upon graduation from high school in the spring of 1970, Anastasia traveled to England to work with the American Foreign Studies group there. She subsequently started her college studies at the University of Dayton in August of 1970. Anastasia initially majored in Medical Technology at U. D., but changed to English when she discovered that she didn’t like dealing with vast quantities of blood. She was active in the U. D. Players (managing the Box Office for the theatre group), and she was the librarian for the campus newspaper, the U. D. Flyer News. She continued her interest in ice-skating, and would schedule practice sessions at an ice rink in the early morning hours within a few miles of the U. D. campus. At the end of freshman year, Anastasia went home to Solon, but did not unpack one suitcase. When asked by her parents what she was doing with the unpacked suitcase, she told them that she was leaving the next day for New York and then on to London to work in England! Anastasia was quite an anglophile and also a little rebellious — her intent was to see if she could make it on her own in England without the help of American Foreign Studies or any other group. Her plan was to stay in England, but her parents intervened after 4 months: her father told her that she was still a minor and that she was to come home and finish her studies at U. D. If after graduation from U. D. she still wanted to go to England, then she could. Anastasia reluctantly agreed (it was either come home voluntarily, or her parents would have a diplomatic attaché put her on a plane!). Anastasia continued her studies at the University of Dayton, and continued her activities, including ice-skating, working part-time at a local bookstore, on the campus newspaper, in the Box Office for the U. D. Players, and stage-managing several productions for the theatre group. At the U. D. Theatre Box Office during her freshman year, she met Michael, her future husband. He was there changing a broken lock. She knew him as a “behind the scenes” volunteer and as a scene builder and painter for the U. D. Theatre, but they did not go out until November of their senior year at U. D. By Christmas morning, he asked her to marry him and she agreed — after about one month of dating! This delighted her parents, since Michael was in the U. S. Army Reserve Officers Training Corps (ROTC) and would be commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant upon graduation from U. D. Anastasia’s plans to go to England after graduation from U. D. would drastically change. Anastasia graduated from the University of Dayton in the spring of 1974 with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in English with a Teaching Certificate. She returned home to Solon and worked over the summer as a waitress at Geauga Lake Amusement Park while she and Michael prepared for their wedding and his first active duty assignment in the U. S. Army. Anastasia and Michael were married at St Rita Parish in Solon, Ohio on 3 August 1974. They honeymooned in Toronto, Ontario, Canada for three days (the closest international destination Anastasia could find), and then proceeded to Fort Gordon, Georgia (near Augusta) for Michael’s three months of Signal Officer Basic Training. While in Augusta, Anastasia became active in the Officers’ Wives’ Club. She always said that the officers’ wives knew more timely information about future military assignments for their spouses, and she was the first to inform Michael that he was accepted to the U. S. Army Flight School at Fort Rucker, Alabama. Anastasia enjoyed Fort Rucker, especially the “Escoffier Dinners” at the Officers’ Club. Anastasia and Michael lived off-post in Enterprise, Alabama for the first 4 months of his training assignment. She would delight in telling about the “Boll Weevil Monument” in the middle of downtown Enterprise — it’s the only statue in the world that honors an insect, and a destructive one at that! After Flight School, Anastasia and Michael proceeded to his next duty assignment at Fort Lewis, Washington in October of 1975. Due to lack of Officers’ Quarters at Fort Lewis, Anastasia and Michael initially lived in Olympia, Washington for the first five months at Fort Lewis. After getting settled at Fort Lewis, Anastasia was hired to teach at “Old Reliable University” — the on-post school for enlisted soldiers studying to complete their GED. She initially worked under contract with Fort Steilacoom Community College, and later with St. Mary’s College. She taught English on-post for over two years. In the summer of 1978, Anastasia and Michael moved to Auburn, Washington (Michael’s active duty obligation to the Army was fulfilled). They moved into the first of three houses that they would own in Auburn. Anastasia found a job to dovetail with her English degree as a proofreader and graphics assistant at Cole and Weber Advertising in Tukwila, Washington. Anastasia and Michael both became active at Holy Family Parish in Auburn, Washington. She joined the Social Concerns Committee, and became a Eucharistic Minister and a Lector at Mass. In the early 1980s, Anastasia became more interested and involved with one of Michael’s hobbies: performing magic. In early 1982, the Tacoma Magic Ring announced that it would host a “mini-convention” for magicians at the University of Puget Sound for a 3-day weekend in August. Anastasia heard about this and decided that she wanted to get involved in the planning process. During the brain-storming sessions, the group decided to satirize a recent (1981) magic illusion performed live on television by David Copperfield — the Lear Jet Vanish. As there were not many wives or girlfriends of magicians in the Tacoma Magic Ring, Anastasia was a natural for the part of Susan Anton — she played “Suzie Sat-on” — to great comedic effect. In December of 1982, Anastasia and Michael were visiting the Magic Castle in Hollywood, California; they had recently joined as members of the private club for magicians. While there they saw David Copperfield in the library of the Magic Castle, and after introductions, he asked if they knew anything about the magicians in Tacoma who spoofed his Lear Jet Vanish. Anastasia delighted in telling him that they were both involved! David was polite and said that he wished he could have seen the show — Anastasia asked him if he had access to a video tape player, as they had a copy of the show on tape to show to friends while they were visiting in California. David arranged to have the use of the president’s office in the Magic Castle; and he and his agent, Anastasia, and Michael watched the tape. David was in awe of the attention to detail and great entertainment in the spoof of his show. As with many things related to magic, Anastasia had a fun time; she joined the International Brotherhood of Magicians in 1983, and was a member of the Order of Merlin (over 25 years of consecutive membership). She continued to use magical effects in her business presentations and classes to gain attention, instruct, and entertain. In the summer of 1985, Cole and Weber Advertising lost a major client, and Anastasia was laid-off (along with many others). Unknown to her at the time, this was fortuitous for Anastasia, as she subsequently interviewed with managers at Frank Russell Company in Tacoma, Washington and was hired in September of 1985. While at Russell Investments, Anastasia worked in many areas, including editing, software and hardware logistics for clients, and most recently as Senior Training Analyst (developing and delivering training for Russell Associates). Anastasia was extremely happy to work at Russell Investments and she had many friends among Russell Associates. Anastasia was recognized in 1991 for her outstanding accomplishments and constant efforts to improve with the Russell Excellence Award, one of her achievements at Russell of which she was most proud. In January, 1986, Anastasia and Michael moved to their second house in the Auburn area; this one was near Green River Community College. Anastasia always put her special touch and “look” about the house, and that included remodeling and landscaping projects. In February, 1999, Anastasia and Michael would see a house that became their current home. Close friends, Ron and Lorraine Brusseau, drove Anastasia and Michael by the house, as Ron “liked the floor plan” when it was being built, and Lorraine remembered that Anastasia said that if she ever moved again, she “would want a house with a view.” By April, 1999, they were moving-in to their current house. Anastasia joked with people that they were in their first house for about 7 years, and they were in their second house for about 14 years, so they would be in this house either 21 years (adding 7 years) or 28 years (doubling the years in each house). Anastasia liked to travel. Favorite destinations included visiting with family and friends in Ohio, Disney Parks (both Disneyland and Walt Disney World), the Indianapolis 500, wine tasting in Napa Valley and Yakima Valley, cruising the Inside Passage of Alaska, and Hawaii. She especially liked visiting with Harry and Mary Jane Parks in Singapore with a short stop in Hong Kong before returning home. In early May of 2001, Anastasia received the news no woman wants to hear: she had breast cancer. At the time of her mastectomy operation by Dr. Ken Baker, it was determined that Anastasia was already “stage 4” as 24 out of 25 lymph nodes under her left arm had cancer involvement. Always ready to be active in her health struggle, Anastasia underwent a series of radiation and chemotherapy treatments. Early treatments were effective in slowing the progress of her cancer. In early July of 2005, Anastasia began to have severe headaches and was “not herself.” Upon further investigation by her oncologist, Dr. Nanette Robinson, Anastasia had a brain scan with an MRI. That same day she was diagnosed with a brain tumor. Dr. Robinson said that Anastasia had “serendipity surrounding her” as Dr. Robinson had already talked with a neurosurgeon and he was on his way to the clinic (neurosurgeons never have that kind of response in Dr. Robinson’s experience). After some discussion, Dr. Robinson suggested to Anastasia that her decision to have a craniotomy operation to remove the brain tumor was really a “no brainer” — to which Anastasia responded that it was her brain that she was talking about. Anastasia had a great rapport with Dr. Robinson and they enjoyed each other’s sense of humor. The following Monday, neurosurgeon Dr. Christopher Smythies successfully removed a golf ball-sized tumor that was later determined to be breast cancer metastasized to the brain. After more radiation and chemotherapy treatments, Anastasia returned to work (she had been working at Russell throughout her treatments, taking time off only to receive treatments and to allow for occasional adverse reactions to the drugs). Anastasia continued to work at Russell because she enjoyed the work and the working environment with Russell Associates. In early July of 2008, Anastasia learned that the previous chemotherapy treatment was not as effective as when she first started it in January, 2008. Each chemotherapy drug had its side effects, most included tiredness and fatigue, some caused neuropathy (tenderness and tingling in the hands and feet). Anastasia decided, in consultation with her oncologist, to suspend chemotherapy treatments until she regained some strength and energy. As she had accumulated many “sick days” with Russell Investments, she stayed at home. In October of 2008, Anastasia qualified for long-term disability and also started receiving visits from MultiCare-Good Samaritan Hospice. Anastasia and Michael enjoyed a cruise through the Inside Passage to Alaska in early September, 2008. Only 2 weeks later, while at home, Anastasia experienced a small fracture in her pelvic bone just above her right hip joint, and after that she used a wheel-chair to get around, so as not to further damage her pelvic bone. In October, 2008, Anastasia noticed small bumps on her right eye-lid. Eye doctors were consulted, and she was referred to an ophthalmologist surgeon. In early January, 2009, the excess growth was removed from her right eye-lid and the pathology report indicated that Anastasia had another recurrence of breast cancer, this time on her eye-lid. Anastasia officially retired from Russell Investments on 15 January 2009 with over 23 years’ service with the company. Anastasia continued to enjoy visits with family and close friends. Close friend Mary Jane Parks visited over Thanksgiving in 2008, and Dave and Carmel Fleck visited over Christmas in 2008. Anastasia’s brother, George, visited at the end of January, 2009; Michael’s mother, Mary, and his sister, Anne, and brother, Joe, visited over Valentine’s Day weekend; and John and Helen McCabe visited over Anastasia’s birthday weekend in March of 2009. Anastasia continued to have a positive attitude, even in her weakened state. She died peacefully in her sleep at home at approximately 4:15 a.m. on 23 April 2009. Anastasia is survived by her husband of 34 years, Michael A. Hart, of Auburn, Washington; her brother, George J. Uher, of Twinsburg, Ohio; her sister and brother-in-law, Louise Dann and Ed Dann of Statesville, North Carolina, and nephews, Eddie and Jake; mother-in-law, Mary R. Hart of Dayton, Ohio; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Joseph A. Hart and JoEllen Hart of Littleton, Colorado, and nephews Justin and Adam; sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Anne M. Hassoun and John A. Hassoun of Falls Church, Virginia, and nieces, Danielle and Nicole; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, David L. Hart and Michelle K. Hart of Loveland, Ohio; sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Paula J. Milligan and Scott Milligan of Vandalia, Ohio, and nephew, Ean, and niece, Clarissa; cousins, Wayne and Kathy Garreis of Elicott City, Maryland; and cousins, Gordon and Jane Giffin of Timonium, Maryland. In addition, Anastasia’s close friends include Ron and Lorraine Brusseau of Port Orchard, Washington; Dave and Carmel Fleck of Coronado, California; John and Helen McCabe of Wichita, Kansas; Mary Jane Parks of Maulden, South Carolina; Ron and Lisa Wanttaja of Auburn, Washington; Wayne and Jeanette Miller of Auburn, Washington; Dr. Dave and Vicki Leppla of Remington, Indiana; the Honorable Brian and Mary Lou Corrigan of Brecksville, Ohio; Anne and George Oliver of Newport, Rhode Island; Dick and Connie Vaughan of Kent, Washington; Ralph and Libby Stewart of Tacoma, Washington; Chip and Holly Vanture of Orlando, Florida; Larry Selka of Kettering, Ohio; Dr. Brad and Janie McDavid of Bothell, Washington; Linda Powell of Smyrna, Tennessee; current and former Russell Associates, including Lynn and LaFaun Anderson, Yolanda Bailey, Cindy Baldwin, Shari Bassett, Cheri Bichsel, Goeff Black, Jeff Brannick, Ramona Brannick, Carolyn Cheney, Denise Cole, Joetta Cook, Dick and Gail Cummings, Lisa Duval, Barb Fields, Pam Greenlee, Art and Lisa Hill, Kathy Hupe, Lorraine Hyatt, Sue Jackson, Scottland Jacobson, John James, Carol Ludwig, Laura McLarney-Akre, Eric Middleton, Tim Noonan, Monique Pecchia, Nan Peele, Mike Phillips, Leslie Reilly, John Reynolds, George and Jane Russell, Tabatha Scammon, Christine Scholer, Betsy Smyth, Greg Stark, Bill Stephens, Tobie Tyler, Craig Ueland, Sandra Woods, Rosie Zorko; cancer support group members, including Carol Mathers and Lynda Filkins; fellow magicians, including Bob and Val Christensen, Don and Mary Brisbane, Karl and Pam Hilsenberg, John and Pauline Lambes, Scott and Kathy Markham, Rick and Debbie Anderson; and Pat Barr, Pastoral Care Minister, and members of Holy Family Parish in Auburn, Washington. Anastasia appreciated all of her physicians, surgeons, and nurses, including Dr. Nanette Robinson, Dr. Ken Baker, Dr. Christopher Smythies, Dr. Ronald Goldberg, Dr. Barbara Gehrett, Dr. Dante Arranza, Dr. Audrey Talley-Rostov, Dr. Nicole Grous, Dr. Tim Carey, Dr. Mark Hegewald, Dr. Dennis Gusman; and nurses Betty Hoff, Wendy Huston, Linda Ehresman, Sydney Lewis, Leslie Hyman, Andi Bieber, and Shelley Okerlund. Special thanks to Anastasia’s MultiCare-Good Samaritan Hospice Care Workers, including Nurse, Pam Hyatt; Physical Therapist, Molly MacDonald; Bath Aide, Anna Bofa; Massage Therapist, Linda Newday; Social Worker, Tina Schoelkopf; and highest thanks to Anastasia’s volunteer help at home including Lorraine Brusseau, Lisa Wanttaja, Lisa Hunziker, Nadine Meteyer, Jeanette Miller, Lois Tiernan, Pat Braaten, Pam Proud, and Dyana Francis. Anastasia was quite active with the annual American Cancer Society Relay For Life event in Auburn. While flowers are appreciated, you may consider, in lieu of flowers, donating to the American Cancer Society Relay For Life of Auburn, Washington (http://main.acsevents.org/site/TR?pg=entry&fr_id=15241) or “Google” “Relay For Life of Auburn, WA” — click on “Donate” and then search for the team name of “Holy Family” — select either of the 2 teams.