Jerilyn Sue "Jeri" Hart 1944-2026
By Paso Robles Press · Thu Jul 02 2026
Our lovely, ageless Jerilyn Sue "Jeri" Hart peacefully passed from this world on June 11, 2026.
Jeri was born in 1944 at the historic Atascadero General Hospital, the same hospital where she would later bring both her sons into the world. She was raised in Atascadero and graduated from Atascadero High School.
It was at Virgil's Drive-In, where she worked, that she met her beloved husband, Richard "Dick" Hart, who worked across the street at Chapel of The Roses Mortuary. After their marriage, Dick attended mortuary college in Los Angeles, and Jeri supported them by working at a bank close to the college. Upon their return home, she secured a position at Atascadero Guaranty Savings and Loan. While working there, she met Paul Burkhardt, CPA, an outside auditor for the savings & loan. Paul liked Jeri’s quick learning skills and asked her to come to work at his office, where she worked for many years, eventually endearing him with the title “Uncle Paul.” When he retired, Jeri started her own business, "Jeri Hart Bookkeeping and Tax Service," dedicating over 40 years in total to tax preparation and accounting.
Jeri also gave selflessly to her son's career. As the founding employee and original Chiropractic Assistant at Hart Family Chiropractic, she attended seminars and provided the backbone for its success, blending her business experience with unconditional maternal support.
An avid motorist known affectionately as "Jeri Andretti," she enjoyed 37 years with the SLO Vettes and time with the Mid State Cruizers, driving her beloved Mustang and Corvette. Her community spirit also spanned 29 years at Tri Counties Club at Lake Nacimiento, plus earlier roles in the Junior Women's Club, Bunco, and Quota Club.
Jeri shined as a grandma and played a monumental role in the lives of her grandkids. She lovingly provided countless hours of afterschool companionship, taxi service, and devotedly attended every sporting event, dance competition, awards ceremony, play and musical performance…undeniably their biggest fan!
Jeri was a sweet, fun-loving ray of sunshine who saw the best in everyone and knew how to find joy in every day. A generous and loyal friend to many, she had several groups of close friends who will miss her dearly. Known affectionately as "Mom Hart" for her boundless big heart, she held a deep love for nature and animals. She was a true example of unconditional love, compassion and charity.
She approached every day with optimism, routinely starting her mornings with Louis Armstrong's 'What a Wonderful World.' Even during her later years, that song remained her daily reminder that the world was still full of beauty. She carried with her a deep sense of peace and faith, knowing everything would be okay—one of her favorite sayings was 'let go and let God.’ Whenever anyone departed on a journey, Jeri would say she was wrapping them in "a bubble of light." We now wish that same protection for her on her own journey, watching for her sparkle in the night sky.
She is survived by her devoted husband of 64 years, Richard "Dick" Hart, and her beloved sons, Troy (and his amazing wife Debbie) and Darren. Together, the family and Jeri’s amazing caretakers provided nearly 14 years of tender, loving care following her stroke. She is also survived by her adored grandchildren, Makenzie (husband Mitchell Collins), Justin, and Nikayla; and her dear sisters Carol Morrison, Thelma Ervine, and Loretta Rowlett; and many dear nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her sister, Kathy Hapgood.
A memorial service celebrating Jeri's life will be held on July 19, 2026, at 3:00 PM, at the Atascadero Lake Pavilion. Following the service, the family invites you to bring a lawn chair and join us as we adjourn to the adjacent park for food and conversation. In lieu of flowers, please wrap a loved one in a 'bubble of light' in her honor.