Belvidere, IL

Irene J. Hart, 88, of Belvidere, passed away peacefully on October 31, 2016 at Northwoods Care Centre in Belvidere after a long illness. Irene was born on June 10, 1928 in Clementine, Missouri. She married the love of her life, Robert L. Hart, Jr. on January 20, 1952 in Belvidere. They were married 53 years until his passing in 2005. She was a long time member of Calvary Baptist Church. Irene loved to cook, bake, sew, quilt and spend time with family and friends. For many years, she worked in the cafeterias at Highland Hospital and Belvidere High School. Many fondly remember her as "The Cake Lady of Belvidere" for her decorated cakes and wedding cakes.

Loving wife, mother, sister, grandmother, and great-grandmother, she will be missed by family and friends. Mother of Malvina J. Lutz of League City, TX, and Bill (Paula) Hart of Belvidere, IL; grandchildren, Roger (Jill) Lutz, Sarah Nisbet, Jonathan (Melissa) Lutz, Laura (Drew) Steely, Mike (Lauren) Hart, Tim (Shannon) Hart, and James (Kelsey) Hart; great grandchildren, Juliana and Emily Lutz, Lana, Kaylee and Felicity Nisbet, Caleb and Aaron Lutz, Wesley and Troy Steely, Zoe, Maya and Eva Hart, and Brigid Hart; brother, Claude (Sharon) Smith of Rockford, and sister-in-law, Louise Joy Hart of Belvidere. She is preceded in death by her husband, Robert and brothers, Earl, Lee, Arch and Frank Smith.

Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, November 5, 2016 at Anderson Funeral and Cremation Services, 218 W. Hurlbut Ave, Belvidere, IL 61008 with Pastor Dan Lashley officiating. Visitation will be held from 4:00-7:00, p.m., Friday evening at the funeral home. Burial in Highland Garden of Memories. Memorials may be made to the family for a memorial to be established at a later date. To light a candle or share a condolence, please visit www.AndersonFCS.com.