SCARBOROUGH — Jeanette T. Hart, 79, of Falmouth and Vero Beach, Fla., beloved wife of the Honorable Ronald Hart, former Sagadahoc County Probate Judge, died on Oct. 31, at Gosnell Memorial Hospice House with her family by her side.

Jeanette, fondly known as Jenna by her friends, was born in Lewiston on July 2, 1931, the daughter of the late Cecile Fournier Bennett and Napoleon Bennett. She graduated from Edward Little High School in 1950, where she was active in many school activities and was the captain of the girls’ basketball team.

She continued her interest in her high school, serving on the Alumni Committee and hosting many meetings at her Falmouth home. While in high school, Jeanette met her husband of 58 years, Ronald Hart. They were married on March 1, 1958, at Sacred Heart Church in Auburn, while Ron was serving as a member of the U.S. Air Force.

The couple moved to Bath in 1958, where Ron built a successful law practice from the ground up, while Jenna devoted her energies to raising their five children. During their time in Bath, the Harts became involved in Democratic Party politics, with Ron either running for a position or actively supporting others seeking public office and Jenna hosting many functions, preparing delectable foods and decorating her home with the exquisite taste and eye for color for which she was well-known.

Jenna’s artistic abilities were well admired and her angel-themed Christmas decorations and centerpieces perfectly captured the joy and holiness of the season, which was her favorite time of the year. Family and friends looked forward to her annual Christmas party, knowing they would be treated to a beautiful setting, special culinary treats and plenty of good cheer.

Jenna loved collecting antiques and she expertly refinished old furniture. She had a precise eye for interior decorating, having designed tasteful and appealing homes for herself and her husband and she often added an expert helping hand to the homes of her grown children. An accomplished seamstress, Jenna made many of her children’s clothes. Her sense of style was timeless.

In the late 1980s, the Harts moved from Bath to Falmouth, where they became members of the Portland Country Club and later the Woodlands Club, on the grounds of which they built and made their home. While in Falmouth, Jenna continued her participation in golf and tennis, winning trophies for her skill on the court.

Over the past 25 years, the Harts spent an increasing amount of time in Florida, first in Boca Raton and then in Vero Beach at the Sea Oaks Community. They became residents of Florida in 2004.

Some of Jenna’s fondest memories were of her several trips to Europe with Ron in the mid 1990s. She was especially moved by her visit to Rome and the Vatican and her tour of the Holy Land in 1995. Jenna was a pious and devout Catholic who never missed Sunday Mass unless bedridden by sickness or injury. She was extremely gratified to have passed on her faith to her children. In addition, she was pleased by her children’s accomplishments in education and service to country and community: her daughter, Gayle is retired from the U.S. Navy, son, James is a chemical engineer, daughter Mary, is a registered nurse and daughter, Stephanie is a prominent and sought after lobbyist and fundraiser.

Jenna was known for her devotion, compassion and kindness and these qualities were no more evident than when she cared for her older son, Bradford for the seven years he suffered with cancer, before he died at age 12. Her maternal warmth, generosity and encouragement were enjoyed by her surviving children, her five grandchildren and her great-grandson, all of whom will miss her dearly.

She is survived by her devoted husband of 58 years, Ronald, who provided constant, loving care to her as she became weakened by osteoarthritis and a series of strokes. In addition, she leaves four children, Gayle Hart of Falmouth, James Hart and his wife, Martha, of Waterville, Mary Hart and her husband, Richard Regan, of Cumberland and Stephanie Hart of Belgrade Lakes; remaining, too, are her five grandchildren, Bradford Hart, Christen Hart, Caitlyn Hart, Abigail Regan and Aidan Regan; her great-grandson, Preston Woodbury; other survivors include her brother, Normand Bennett of Bakersfield, Calif.; her sister, Constance Maida of Zephyrhills, Fla., as well as many nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by two brothers, Theodore Bennett, who died in action in Korea and Reginald Bennett.

The Hart family wishes to express its deepest gratitude to the staff of the Falmouth EMS, everyone at the Gosnell House and especially Dr. David Burke for his compassionate treatment of Jenna during her final months.