Annabelle S. Hara

Annabelle Hara went to be with the Lord Tuesday, Feb. 9, 2021, under the caring supervision of Suncoast Hospice at Bon Secours Place in St. Petersburg, Florida. She was 94. Named for her two grandmothers, Anna and Belle, Annabelle (Schultz) Hara was born April 14, 1926, to Ira and Huldah (Hietanen) Schultz in Detroit, Michigan. She was the oldest of four children, sister to Al, Rosetta and Noreen. She married George Hara Feb. 6, 1948, in Detroit at Coronado Baptist Church. They moved to St. Petersburg, Florida in 1957 and were married for 45 wonderful years until George’s passing March 26, 1993. She is survived by her two children David and Donna, six grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. Her unwavering faith Annabelle’s faith in Christ was the foundation of her life and drove her desire to serve others. She was active in church ministry and was part of a small group that helped plant First Missionary Church in St. Petersburg, Florida in 1959. She ran the nursery, taught Sunday School, led the Women's Missionary Society, sang in the choir, was a member of the Christian Women's Club and hosted weekly Bible studies. She believed that connection with family and friends “is one of God’s greatest ways of demonstrating His love and fellowship” and, like faith, should be cherished and passed down. That deeply held faith was evidenced throughout her lifetime as she served and cared for her family and countless others. A life of service and friendship Before she became a career homemaker and mother, Annabelle worked in various civil service jobs for nearly a decade. She also worked for many years at George and Cliff’s Hardware – the business started by George and his partner Cliff Maskell in 1957. She navigated all the traditional homemaking tasks skillfully, but absolutely loved doing laundry. She was instrumental in building a tight knit neighborhood community and formed close bonds with neighbors through conversation and often shared with them her home baked goods. Even after she became the last original homeowner on her street, she was friendly and welcoming to all the young new families who moved in and was loved and looked after well by this “next generation.” She was known to all as a welcoming and gracious host and created a home environment that was always open to anyone who needed a meal or a place to stay. She hosted hundreds of guests and would rise before the sun to squeeze fresh orange and grapefruit juice to serve to them. Her quiet and humble hospitality continued almost to the time that she went to live at Bon Secours Place. Annabelle was a caring wife, mother and grandmother and had many close friends as well. After the loss of George, Annabelle spoke of how it was her friendships (and her cat Heidi) that helped her through the loneliness. She would mall walk with a small group two or three times a week. Every Tuesday was craft time with dearest friends Peggy and Esther. You’d be hard pressed to find someone Annabelle knew who didn’t have one of her plastic canvas and yarn Christmas decorations, or a collection of covered hangers, of which she made hundreds to give away to family, friends and even strangers. After her move, she was adored by the residents and staff at Bon Secours Place where she was always “on the go.” Her boundless energy, smiling face and friendly conversation are remembered fondly there. Family, fun and adventure Travel was one of Annabelle’s favorite pastimes. She and George would diligently budget and save to be able to enjoy yearly “couples” vacations to scenic spots like Hawaii, the Smokey Mountains, Grand Canyon, Yellowstone, the Canadian Rockies, Paris and Switzerland – which she’d speak of at length and fondly even decades later. They also took many memorable family trips, including in 1964 to Washington D.C. and the New York World’s Fair and in 1967 on a road trip to California with seven packed in a station wagon. In 1993 the whole family – Annabelle, children and grandkids – took an unforgettable Christmas trip to Jamaica. As a mother and later grandmother, she was involved in countless family activities. A den mother for The Cub Scouts and band mom, she supported and was always was excited to see her children – and later grandkids – involved in music, sports, school plays and many other activities. She was always offering to prepare a snack or even a PB&J or grilled cheese for anyone who stopped by for a visit and she loved holiday family gatherings and other outings like boat rides in the Gulf. She even enjoyed the occasional adrenaline rush – riding a roller coaster in her 70s and taking a Segway tour in downtown St. Petersburg to celebrate her 80th birthday. Her strength Annabelle survived scarlet fever and lived through the eras of the Great Depression, WWII and The Vietnam War. After being diagnosed with breast cancer, she underwent a successful surgery in 1980. She described herself as “one of the fortunate ones.” She cared dutifully and lovingly for her husband during his own battle with cancer. Her inner strength, resilience and endurance were illustrated by the way she lived her life – with contentedness and an even temper. Through good times and challenges, she always kept going – steadfast in her faith and service to others. If Annabelle could be described in only two words, they would be “faithful” and “servant.” When she entered the presence of her Savior Jesus Christ early on the morning of Feb. 9, 2021, she certainly heard the words, “Well done, my good and faithful servant. Enter into the joy of your Lord.” She will be loved and cherished through these and so many other memories. The impact of her faith in Christ, humble service and love for her family have left a lasting mark in this world that will be eternally celebrated. A memorial celebration of Annabelle’s life will be held Saturday, March 6, 2021 at 11 a.m. at St. Petersburg Presbyterian Church 600 83rd Ave. NE St. Petersburg, FL 33702 In lieu of flowers, please consider donating in Annabelle’s memory to: • Northside Baptist Church Food Pantry • Salvation Army • Samaritan's Purse • Suncoast Hospice

Annabelle S. Hara

February 9, 2021