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11817 Jefferson Highway
Baton Rouge, Louisiana
A devoted Christian, Mary Jo Hardy passed peacefully at her home at Lake Sherwood Village in Baton Rouge on October 10, 2020 at the age of 87. She was born in Lucien, MS. on February 6, 1933, one of six children to Bertha V. (Chapman) and Thomas Cage Byrd. She was a graduate of Baton Rouge High School in 1951. She began her nursing career at the Baton Rouge General Hospital in 1952 as a nursing student part-time while attending Northwestern State University. Upon graduation in 1955 she received a BS Major in Nursing. She then became a full time employee with the Baton Rouge General Hospital from 1955 through 1965 serving as Staff Nurse, Head Nurse, Supervisor, Training Director, and Assistant Director of Nursing. She left the hospital in 1965 to attend the University of Maryland receiving a MS in Nursing Administration. She returned once again to the Baton Rouge General Hospital and served from 1966 to her retirement in 1978 as the Director of Nursing Service. In July 1979, she began employment with the Eastern Louisiana Mental Health System until her retirement in January 1998 as a RN Manager. She loved this work as she had a special place in her heart caring for the mentally ill. In December 1955 she married Cecil M. Hardy, the love of her life. They spent 52 years together side by side. Cecil and Mary Jo were members of Faith Baptist Church in Baker, LA. for over 49 years. They were very active in the Airstream Club for over 33 years and traveled throughout the United States pulling their Airstream. After Cecil's death in 2007 she moved from Baker to Lake Sherwood Village in Baton Rouge and became a member of Parkview Baptist Church. She loved to collect owls, Fenton milk glass, and Santa Clause ornaments. Mary Jo is survived by her nieces and nephews, Dana Gonzales, Wade Byrd, Tommy Boyett, Cathy Allen, Randy Boyett, David Byrd, Bonnie Byrd, and Donis Raborn. She was loved by many and will be missed by all who knew her. She had a generous, loving heart and truly cared about people. Mary Jo is preceded in death by her husband, Cecil M. Hardy; parents, Thomas and Bertha Byrd; two sisters, Pauline Byrd and Jean Boyett; three brothers, Carol, James, and Don Byrd; and one niece, Linda Brown. The family extends its gratitude to Cardinal Hospice and especially to Donna and Mandy who provided faithful and loving care during Mary Jo's illness. They were truly a blessing to our family. A graveside service will be held on October 24, 2020 at the Hillcrest Memorial Gardens Cemetery for family members. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital to the Alzheimer's Foundation of America.
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I remember Mrs. Hardy from working @ Eastern La.Mental Health System. She always had a smile on her face and sweet greetings. Praying for God to comfort her family.
Daisy P. Norman
Coworker
October 22, 2020
We have fond memories of our long time residents Ms. Mary Jo Hardy. She is greatly missed here at Lake Sherwood Village. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family.
Daynie Roberthon
October 22, 2020
I was honored to work with Ms Hardy at BRG..such a sweet, caring and devoted lady. Although it’s been close to 40 yrs, I’ve always remembered her with fondness. RIP dear lady.
Dee (Pisani) Murphy
Coworker
October 20, 2020
I had the opportunity to work with Mrs Hardy at the Baton Rouge General from 1972 till 1978. I came to BRGH as a young Director of Pharmacy and quickly formed a relationship with Mrs. Hardy and Mrs Edith Lobue. I was successful At BRGH largely because of the support of these ladies. Mrs Hardy became a good
friend. I always enjoyed her traveling stories with the Airstream group. I think of her often. She was a wonderful lady.
Tom Alexander
Coworker
October 19, 2020
Mary Jo & Cecil were dear friends to my parents, Bryant & Hortense Barlow. Mary Jo especially loved everyone she met, and was a great help in time of need.
Virginia Browning
Friend
October 19, 2020
Jan Breaux Samson R.N.
Janice Breaux Samson R.N.
October 18, 2020
Mrs. Hardy gave me my first job right out of nursing school at Mid City BRGH in 1975. She was so kind an reassuring to me. She wrote me a letter reassuring me that I would be employed as a staff R.N. In ICU after I finished my nursing program at Charity Hospital School of Nursing. I was and always will be grateful for her. I was so happy to run into her shopping with her sitter, though she was in a wheelchair then. I was able to visit with her once more. May the choirs of angels come to greet you. May they speed you to paradise. May the Lord enfold you in His Mercy. May you find Eternal Life. Rest In Peace, Mrs. Hardy.... sincerely, Jan Samson.R.N.
Jan Samson
October 18, 2020
Mom, Melba Beel, and Mary Jonran the Bible study for years at Lake Sherwood Village - and always provided little sandwiches and snacks for people to visit afterwards. Mom just loved her. She was a treasure.
Pat Wattam
Friend
October 18, 2020
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Funeral services provided by:
Resthaven Gardens of Memory & Funeral Home - Baton Rouge11817 Jefferson Highway, Baton Rouge, LA 70816
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