Virginia Hart

MADISON - Virginia B. Hart, Wisconsin's first woman cabinet member, died Saturday, March 24, 2007, at age 92. She was a formative force in community service in the state and in Madison, a trade union educator and a role model for women in public service. Beginning in 1973, she headed the Department of Regulation and Licensing, was Commissioner of Labor, Industry and Human Relations and chair of the Labor and Industry Review Commission. Her pioneering as a woman in state government was recognized by the establishment of the Virginia Hart Special Achievement Award given annually to "unsung heroes" in state service. She served the city also (two terms on the Police and Fire Commission) and had been a formative force earlier in bringing social agencies of the city together in the Community Welfare Council of which she was president in 1967. After World War II, when she came to Wisconsin with her husband, she joined a small group to reorganize the Democratic Party and became its first executive secretary. She also helped form the pioneering Group Health Cooperative of South Central Wisconsin and more recently served a key role in the Dudgeon-Monroe Neighborhood Association (co-president 1901). With her husband of 67 years, Virginia was a vigorous backpacker in the Rockies, the Andes and the Himalaya. She lived three times with her family in India. The Harts have two children, Nancy Hart Hernandez of Houston, Texas and Benjamin Baily Hart of Dallas, Texas; and two grandsons, Joshua and Jonathan Hart. She is also survived by her husband, Henry C. Hart of Madison; by her brother, George Baily of Fort Collins, Colo.; her identical twin sister, Margaret; and another brother, Johnson (Jay) Baily, died earlier. The strength and breadth of admiration and affection for Virginia was made clear by the visits, letters and calls, she received in her last months of illness. These she deeply appreciated. The family suggests that (instead of flowers) contributions to her honor be sent to "Virginia Hart Special Recognition Award," Office of State Employment Relations, PO Box 7855, Madison, WI 53707 or to HospiceCare Inc., 5935 E. Cheryl Parkway, Fitchburg, WI 53711. In about a month a public ceremony of Virginia's life will be announced jointly by the family and Lt. Governor Barbara Lawton. Services will be held at Blackhawk Country Club, 3606 Blackhawk Drive, on April 28, 2007 from 3:30 P.M. until 6:30 P.M.