1926 - 2026
Hat was predeceased by her husband, Robert H. Markert, whom she married in 1959; her sister, Margaret Sertl; and her parents, Everett and Harriet King. She is survived by her son, Brooks Markert and his wife Pamela; her daughter, Elizabeth Markert and her husband Michael Rizza; her five grandchildren, Tyler Markert, Heather Garrey, Justin Markert, Jeffrey Rizza, and Thomas Rizza; and her great-grandchild, Lucas Markert, all of whom carry forward her legacy.
Born in 1926 in Enfield, Connecticut, Hat lived a vibrant and adventurous life with a deep appreciation for the outdoors and the beauty of the natural world. She was ahead of her time, challenging expectations and embracing opportunities that reflected her independent spirit. At just 23 years old, in the summer of 1949, she spent two months traveling through Europe by bicycle on a youth hostel trip—an experience that helped shape her lifelong belief in the importance of travel and exploration.
She loved sailing and ice skating at Crystal Lake in Ellington, Connecticut, where her family maintained a summer cottage for many years. An avid downhill skier and enthusiastic hiker, she spent countless hours exploring the Mount Washington region of New Hampshire.
At age 35—an uncommon achievement for women of her era—Hat earned her bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts with a concentration in Interior Design from Tufts University in 1961. In 1971, she and her family moved to Westborough, Massachusetts, where she became an active and valued member of the local Congregational Church. There, she organized numerous fairs and compiled the church’s first cookbook, which became a successful fundraiser. She also served as a Girl Scout leader.
Professionally, Hat worked at Data General in Westborough, specializing in computer import-export licensing, before retiring. She and her husband also contributed to their community as Election Officers for several years.
In her later years, she remained active and social, enjoying golf with the Women’s League at the Westborough Golf Club, cross-country skiing, and organizing dinner gatherings with her Supper Club for more than 40 years. Her family will especially remember and miss her gourmet cooking, particularly during the holidays.
