Former Martin, Hopkins and Wayland teacher Mary Elizabeth (Mahan) Hardy died at her home in Allegan April 6. She was 88.
Mary was born on March 10, 1937, in Plainwell, to James and Mary (Evans) Mahan. She was married to Dean Hardy until his passing in 2013.
She was a well-educated woman with a bachelor’s degree in teaching through Western Michigan and then achieving a doctorate in naturopathic medicine. She was a member of the Temple Sakkara, and Sisterhood of Emerald, with which she devoted a lot of her time. She was a believer in all things but cherished her faith in Christianity.
Mary taught physical education through Hopkins, Wayland, and eventually retiring through Martin at the end of her career.
She is survived by her sons Mark Hardy and John Hardy; grandchildren Holly Hardy, Josh Hardy, Derick Hardy, Faith Hardy, James Hardy, and Ash Hardy.
She was preceded in her death by her parents, James and Mary (Evans); son Steven Hardy; siblings Nancy Lemke, and James Mahan.
Mary’s funeral service will start at 11 a.m. Friday, April 25, at Gorden Funeral Residence, Allegan Chapel, 528 Trowbridge St. Inurnment will follow at Oakwood Cemetery.
A Martin student of hers between 1970 and 1973, commented on Facebook, “Mrs. Hardy was a PE teacher and coach for many girls sports, which gave an opportunity for high school girls to learn and showcase their athletic talents. Even though we hated wearing the dreaded 1970s PE uniform, she taught us a lot.”
