Obituary of Mary P Hardy

AF Ret. Lt. Col. Mary Priscilla Hardy, long-time resident of Deer Isle, Maine, died peacefully after a brief illness at Blue Hill Memorial Hospital on Saturday, July 22, 2017, surrounded by those who loved her. Mary was born in Ellsworth, Maine on June 2, 1937, to Elsie and Cecil C. Hardy, Sr. of Deer Isle. In 1956, she graduated from McKinley High School in Deer Isle, at which time she enlisted in the United States Army. Mary was honorably discharged in 1959. After discharge, she enrolled in Central Maine General Hospital's three-year registered nursing program, from which she graduated in 1963. Mary was never one to remain idle for long. After completing the program, she entered the Air Force as a First Lieutenant, earned her Bachelor's Degree in Nursing, and over a 21-year career, advanced through the ranks, retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel. During her years in the military, Mary was stationed all over the United States, Puerto Rico, and Greenland. Mary was the recipient of the William Walter Award for Excellence, was listed in both the Who's Who of Professional Women and Who's Who of Nursing, and received a multiple military medals and commendations. After military retirement, Mary worked as the Director of Nurses at the Island Nursing Home in Deer Isle for many years. She loved the art of nursing, and taught numerous CNA classes; several of her students continued their education and went on to become registered nurses. Some of her former students, now R.N.s, so lovingly cared for Mary in her final days. Mary was a strong, independent woman able to lead by example to not just her students, but friends and family as well. She was intelligent, patient, kind, joyful, and had a contagious laugh. She remained sharp to the end. One of the better examples was her ability to rattle off the current Boston Red Sox stats at the drop of a hat. She loved baseball. If ever one worried about calling her a bit too late, or interrupting the game, she’d melt any concerns with a chuckle and the reassurance of, “If the Sox are playing, I’m still awake!” Mary was a vibrant, engaged member of her community, and a member of a wide range of groups and organizations: she was a proud 65-year member of the Surry Grange, a 60-year member of the Air Force Nurses Association, and a 35-year member of the American Legion. She served as a board member of the Island Medical Center of Stonington, and was a member of her High School Alumni Committee. Mary was a devoted parishioner of the First Congregational Church of Deer Isle, where served as financial secretary and clerk and sang in her beloved choir for many years. Mary was predeceased by her parents, and brothers Cecil Jr., Donald, and Myron Sr. She is survived by three nieces, three nephews, and an abundance of great-nieces and nephews. Mary was especially close to her niece, Taryn Monroe, who followed in Mary’s footsteps to become an R.N. Mary's full life was further enriched by her love of all animals, and of her many friends, especially Jan Taylor and Barbara Hardy, both of whom she loved like sisters. Her family wishes to express their appreciation to the exceptional SCU nurses of Blue Hill Memorial Hospital, who loved Mary as their own. It must also be acknowledged that the Boston Red Sox have lost one of their biggest fans. They certainly will have a little added help from above this year! A celebration of Mary's life will be held at the First Congregational Church of Deer Isle on Sunday, August 6, 2017, at 3:00 pm. All are invited to wear red, her favorite color, or their Boston Red Sox gear in her honor. Donations in Mary's name may be made to Memorial Ambulance Corps, PO Box 387, Deer Isle, ME 04627.