VANCOUVER, Wash. – Leta Jane (Whitney) Hart passed away in Vancouver, Wash., on Sept. 25, 2022, at the age of 70, leaving behind a large, loving family and many good friends.

Leta was born on Feb. 12, 1952, in Waterville, and grew up in nearby Fairfield. Leta graduated from Lawrence High School in 1970. In the mid-1970s she moved west and lived for several years in Southern California, where she was joined by her sister Nancy. Leta eventually moved to Vancouver, Wash., where she met and married the love of her life, Tim Hart, originally from Appleton, Wis.

Leta and Tim enjoyed camping with friends in the Pacific Northwest, especially at Timber Lake. She also loved spending time with her family on both coasts and appreciated music, reading, cribbage, and arts and crafts. Leta and Tim were devoted to their many rescue dogs, including Brandy, Loki, Shasta, and Kodi. Leta was also a loyal Packers fan – unless they were playing the ‘Niners. While she and Tim treasured their visits to Hawaii, Leta’s devotion to children led her to spend her retirement years working at Liberty Middle School in Vancouver, Wash.

Leta followed politics and enjoyed lively debates with both Tim and her son, Dan. Her wry wit served her well and always made those around her smile. One of her fondest memories was when Mark Lindsay (lead singer of Paul Revere and the Raiders) sang “Happy Birthday” to her at a local steakhouse for her 56th birthday.

Leta was predeceased by her father, Vanamee Todd Whitney, and mother, Melita Melvina (Carr) Whitney; her siblings Nancy Clifford, Terry “Mushy” Whitney, and Keith Whitney; and her son Raymond Pottle.

She is survived by her husband, Tim; her son, Dan Paradis of Cambridge, Mass., her two stepsons Ryan Hart of Vancouver, Wash.; and Daniel Fuller and daughter-in-law, Crystal, and their daughter, Kaisa of Claskanie, Ore.; and her siblings in Central Maine, Virgil Whitney of Fairfield, Ron Whitney of Benton, and Betty Reny of Fairfield; and many nieces, nephews; grandnieces and grandnephews.

A private memorial service will be held for friends and family.

In lieu of flowers,

donations in Leta’s memory may be made to the

Humane Society for Southwest Washington

1100 NE 192nd Ave.

Vancouver, WA 98684