Obituary
Elizabeth Ernestine Spencer Hearn, at 97 years young, our rock, our matriarch, and the heart of our family, passed peacefully into eternal rest on December 19, 2024, surrounded by the love of her family. Her strength, wisdom, and her unconditional love will be forever cherished.
Born on January 19, 1927, in Chatham, New Jersey, Elizabeth grew up in a simpler yet challenging era, marked by the Great Depression and World War II. As a child of the greatest generation, she embodied resilience, resourcefulness, and gratitude.
Elizabeth, the cherished daughter of John and Ernestine Spencer, was raised alongside her two brothers, John (“Jack”) and Richard (“Dick”), in a time when the world faced trials that tested the mettle of the that generation.
She often recounted stories of her humble beginnings in the family’s kitchen garden, canning fresh foods, walking miles to school and home for lunch sometimes in 3’ of snow, gathering around the radio to hear the President speak, and the joy of receiving a simple orange or a hand-me-down bike for Christmas. These experiences shaped her steadfast character and enduring spirit. She lived through nearly a century of history, carrying with her the wisdom of their generation—a wisdom she shared generously with everyone who knew her.
She married her beloved husband, Walter Loomis Hearn, on April 8, 1956, in her hometown of Chatham. Together, they embarked on a journey to Florida, drawn by its warm climate and promise of opportunity. Walter, a proud veteran of WWII and the Korean War, passed away on March 18, 1984, leaving behind a legacy of service that Elizabeth honored throughout her life.
Elizabeth’s professional endeavors were as varied as they were fulfilling. From her early days working in a pharmacy that tested innovative medications to her role as an accountant at Sears for over 20 years, then retired decided she wanted a little something to do so she worked at the local Winn Dixie in the bakery, was a movie theater attendant, and ultimately, a cherished employee at the Aloha Kai Beach Resort where her love of people and beautiful beaches came together as she brought diligence and pride to all she did.
Her hobbies reflected her love for creation and beauty—crocheting, sewing, cooking and crafting were her passions, and she gifted countless treasures to her family. She adored the Tampa Bay Rays and game shows like Jeopardy and Wheel of Fortune and the Golden Girls, always impressing her family with her sharp mind and quick wit.
She was the kind of person who never forgot a birthday, always making her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren feel special. In her younger years she would always bake your favorite cake and would make it rain with sprinkles. Though she may not have spoken the words “I love you” often, her actions and devotion left no doubt of the depth of her love. She was thoughtful, steadfast, and selfless, always giving of herself even to her own detriment
Elizabeth was preceded in death by her beloved parents, husband Walter, and brothers.
She survived by her three children, John (Tami) Hearn, Jeanne Bush ( Steve Bush ) , and Jeffrey Hearn; seven grandchildren; sixteen great-grandchildren; and eleven great-great-grandchildren, six nieces and nephews, alongside her extended family members daughters Tammy (John ) Wetherington, Teri Cameron , Lisa ( Christopher ) Stewart- Randall and many more grandchildren she loved along the way. She leaves behind a legacy of love that spanned five generations and enriched countless lives.
A devout Catholic, Elizabeth lived her faith quietly yet profoundly, attending Mass regularly until she was no longer able, at which time she tuned in from home.
The family will receive and welcome guests on Friday December 27th from 7-pm-8:30 pm at Serenity Meadows Funeral Home: 6919 Providence Rd. Riverview Fl. For those who wish to stop by and share a story about her life or simply give a hug.
A Funeral Mass at St. Anne’s Catholic Church in Ruskin, will be held on Saturday, December 28, at 10:00 a.m.
Elizabeth was a force of nature, a walking encyclopedia, and the steady anchor in our lives. She will be missed beyond measure. Her legacy of love and strength will live on in every story, every memory, and every life she touched. Her loving nickname was and always will be : “ The Snack Fairy”