Nora Armel MacDonald Hart of Summerville, SC, widow of Thomas H. Hart, entered into eternal rest Saturday, March 21, 2020. She was 90.

Nora grew up in New Waterford, Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia, one of fourteen children. She told stories of sleeping four to a bed, "two-up and two-down." After high school and business classes, a young woman barely reaching five feet tall, Nora left Cape Breton Island to work 2,000 miles north at Thule Air Force Base, Greenland. She was one of only thirty women among thousands of men above the Arctic Circle; Nora was extremely popular. Eventually, she fell for the charm of Tom, a sergeant and flight engineer from Arden, NC, who became her life-long friend, lover, and husband. Nora and Tom followed USAF assignments to Alabama and then around the country and world. She was a mother to children born in Alabama, North Carolina, Cape Canaveral, Washington, DC and Tennessee. When Tom was away on assignments to Eniwetok, Europe, Panama or Vietnam, Nora ran the household alone, always with a smile and a laugh, but with a quick flip of a wet towel toward misbehaving children.

Driving with Nora was an adventure (she was blind in one eye from childhood and deaf in one ear). She would admit she was lost with a smile or laugh as she and a carload of children were being pulled from a ditch. Eventually she gave up her driver's license and became a permanent fixture alongside Tom during their many road trips after retirement. Nora was an early believer in exercise. She would hush the kids while working out with Jack LaLane on TV in the 1960s. After settling in North Charleston in 1974, Nora became a regular walker in her neighborhood. Later she organized family groups to walk the Bridge Run each April. In retirement, Tom and Nora walked on the Air Base in good weather and at Northwoods Mall in bad weather.

Politics was a favorite hobby for Nora. Although she remained a loyal Canadian citizen, Nora was well-read and embraced the politics of the United States; John F. Kennedy and Barak Obama were her favorite Presidents. Nora followed local politics, too, and was a regular caller to Dan Moon's radio show. Disagreeing with Nora was OK, but it was a sin not to have an opinion.

Nora moved to Summerville after Tom passed away. She became a member of St. John the Beloved Catholic Church and began each day began with a walk to mass. Her bond to the Church, and its members, remained strong until her death. She had a great love for her family, friends and her church.

Nora was born on April 9, 1929 in Nova Scotia, Canada, she was the daughter of the late Daniel MacGregor MacDonald, a coal miner, and Christina Jane (MacQuarrie) MacDonald, a homemaker.

Nora is survived by her sons, Thomas H. Hart, III of Summerville, SC, John Steven Hart (Brenda) of Newport, NC, daughters, Desiree Mary Hart of Naples, Florida, Ann Hart Shuler (Bill) of North Charleston, Lesia Hart Howe of Summerville, SC and Teresa Hart Cannon (Phillip) of Senoia, Georgia, brother Allie MacDonald of New Waterford, Nova Scotia, and sister Jackie MacDonald of Toronto, Ontario, plus 14 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.

Arrangements by Parks Funeral Home, 130 W. 1st North Street, Summerville, SC 29483. www.parksfuneralhome.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Summerville Journal-Scene on Mar. 31, 2020.

Memories and Condolences
for Nora Hart

Sponsored by Parks Funeral Home - Summerville.

17 Entries

Eve and Walt cosnowski

April 22, 2020

Sorry to hear of Nora's passing. Walt and I were friends at Charleston AFB back in the late 60's and early 70's. We attended Catholic services at the chapel on base.

Christina Guy

April 5, 2020

I will miss miss Nora I did her hair at magnolias prayers to you and your family

Ty Green

April 4, 2020

Ms Hart will be missed. Loved her laugh. Mrs. Hart and Mrs. Green are taking their morning strolls in heven. Condolences to the family. Tywonna Green

Rhea Fitzgerald

April 3, 2020

My heartfelt sympathy to all of Nora's family. Nora was a joy to know. Our small group excercised together, celebrated birthdays together, laughed alot together and shared our love of Church and family. R.I.P. dear friend. I know you are dancing in Heaven.

April 3, 2020

We are sorry to learn of Nora's passing. She and Tom were the perfect couple. She had such a positive outlook on life and was such a joy to be with. We enjoyed being included in the family Christmas parties. We will miss her until we meet again in heaven.

Stuart & Cecily Hart

Albert Butch

April 2, 2020

As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.

Christine Lewis

April 1, 2020

Ann and family - sincere sympathy on the passing of your mother Nora, she was a great women.

Brenda and Mike Wells

April 1, 2020

So sorry to hear about your loss. Our thoughts, love and prayers are with all. Brenda and Mike Wells

Michelle Cable-Collins

April 1, 2020

Mothers are such a special part of our lives. I'm so sorry to hear of your loss. Sending love and prayers for all of you.

Kelli Allen (friend of Teresa)

April 1, 2020

I'm so very sorry for your loss. I loved reading about Nora's life, especially the funny antidotes! :) She had a full life. I'm sure she's at peace in the arms of her beloved Tom.

April 1, 2020

To Ann and the entire Hart family, you have my condolences, stay strong and be encouraged, know that your memories will help you through this rough time. Keep the faith, God will see you through! Leslie Smalls (co-worker of Ann)

Amanda Cresswell

April 1, 2020

Dearest Hart family,I unfortunately, never got the chance to meet your mom, but know I would have adored her. Teresa has always spoken with such love, respect, and admiration for her momma; from all accounts she was an absolute spitfire. What glorious memories you must have!May she have walked into Toms arms, and forever into eternal peace.Much love, Amanda, Tim

Bob Foust

April 1, 2020

Tom, Desiree, Ann, John, Lesia and Teresa, and also all your families:
The Foust Boys express there HART-felt (pun intended) concern for all at this time. We are here to support all as any of you need. I remember various visits at your Mom and Dad's house on the air base, the Christmas Eve visits in Forest Hills after Mass and other visits at with all you guys. Your Mom was as fun loving as your Dad was. Our Mom talked about your Mom and the church activities held on the air base.

When the clouds are darkest over you guys - remember the great memories with your Mom to get through it.

Always on your side,
Bob and John

Kathy Heinsohn

April 1, 2020

I did not know Nora, and I want to convey my sincerest condolences. But, this is one of the best obituaries and tributes I've ever read! Truly from the heart (Hart!). I'm sorry for your loss and I'm sorry I never knew her!

Bill Collins

April 1, 2020

Tom,Sorry to hear of your mother's passing. She certainly had a full and exciting life. Family and friends will cherish their memories of her. Margaret joins me in offering our condolences.

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