Rita Hardy Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

RITA ELIZABETH HARDY, daughter of the late Frances and Randolph Dent, was born on August 7, 1930 in Baltimore, Maryland. She departed this life on May 17, 2022 after a lengthy illness. Raised as a Roman Catholic, she developed a strong relationship with God early on. While other children were playing during recess, Rita loved spending her time in the chapel praying the Rosary. She attended St. Frances of Rome Academy where she graduated with honors in 1948. Through family and friends she was introduced to Sherman Hardy. They were married on August 7, 1950 at St Peter Claver. They joined St. Ann’s Church a few years later. From a young age, Rita always wanted a large family. Ever hear the phrase, “spare the rod spoil the child”? None of her children are spoiled…save one, and we all know who that is. However, Rita raised each and every one of them with an abundance of love, happiness and faith in God. St Ann’s Church became her home away from home. While there she became a member of the Knights of Peter Claver - Ladies Auxiliary, Saint Ann Court #331. She was a member of the choir. She participated in the Sick & Shut-in Committee and was a member of the St Ann Hospitality Group. She was a long-time member of the Thursday Night Prayer Group. She counseled other church members. She enjoyed leading the Rosary every Sunday morning and was deeply anchored in faith. She raised all of her children in the Catholic Church and brought many souls to Christ. Rita had a kind heart and a welcoming spirit about her. She never withheld a smile from a stranger. Rita would open her doors to anyone in need. She babysat for countless people struggling to find childcare for their children. Though she had a full house, on two different occasions, she took in and sheltered families when their homes burned down. Rita’s St Ann Family did the same for her when her own home caught fire, allowing her to stay in what was previously known as St Ann’s Convent. Rita was mother to eleven children throughout her marriage and raised additional ones. Preceding her in the afterlife were her husband, Sherman Hardy; children; Melvin Hardy, Sharon Williams, Diane Bazemore and Michael Larkins; and grandchildren; Michelle Hardy, Richard Hardy Jr and Deon Holloman Jr. She is survived by her children: Sherman Eugene Hardy, Donald Hardy, Lois Lawrence, Richard Hardy, Lori Ratliff, Catherine Hardy, Brenda Hardy-Holloman, Bernadette Hardy-Simmons, Gwendolyn Johnson, Yvette Towles and Sherlyn Pitts; sons-in-law: Sheldon Lawrence, Deon Holloman Sr, Wayne Johnson Sr, and Dante Towles; and daughters-in-law: Gloria Hardy, Marilyn Hardy, Tange Hardy and Ayesha Larkins; forty-four grandchildren, sixty-four great-grandchildren; four great-great grandchildren; one sister-in-law, Mary Hardy and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, Godchildren, other relatives and friends.

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Rita Hardy

August 7, 1930 - May 17, 2022