Vera I. Hart, 90, passed away on April 8, 2026. She was born July 31, 1935 to Millard and Florence (Hittle) Hart and she married Jack Upleger on March 15, 1957. She is survived by daughter Jill (Jack) Ogden; grandchildren Jalen (Tracy) Provo and Jaren Provo (Geoff Bloom). She is also survived by two brothers Larry Hart, Fred (Kathy) Hart, two sisters-in-law Kathy Hart, Jenny Hart, many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Jack, son Darrell, siblings Philip "Buck" Hart, Virginia "Ginny" Waldie, Floy Neumann, Frances Vieau, Floyd Hart, Ramon "Ray" Hart, Leila Rose "Rosie" Charboneau, David "Dave" Hart, and Lonnie Hart; three siblings in infancy Mildred Hart, Gladys Hart, and Millard Hart Jr.
A sweet memory she often recalled was when she was young her father asked her to help weed and pick cucumbers in the garden, but she told him she was a lady and a lady didn't do that. He didn't think that was a good reason and her lifelong love of vegetable and flower gardening was born. She could often be found in her front yard working on her flower gardens so she could share their beautiful blooms with others to enjoy.
She also loved God and Jesus, jigsaw puzzles, word searches and helping others through her work.
She was employed as a teacher downstate and East Side Elementary in Cheboygan, then moved to Traverse City with stringed instrument rental/repairs, Munson Medical Center cafeteria, and Big Boy Restaurant. She was an alumna of the University of Michigan where she earned Bachelors Degree and Central Michigan University where she earned her Master of Arts.
As per Vera's request, she encouraged funeral attendees to please wear bright and cheerful colored clothing instead of the more traditional black or dark attire. She will be remembered for her big, beautiful smile and her extraordinary collection of big, flower-filled hats.
The celebration of her life will be held on Tuesday, April 14, 2026 at 2 pm with visitation beginning one hour prior at Central United Methodist Church. Interment in Imlay City will take place at a later date.
In lieu of plants or flowers, please consider donating to Our Neighbors Garden. Envelopes will be available at her service. We want to express our gratitude to Joy Givers and Heartland Hospice for all the amazing people who provided incredible loving care, kindness, and support.