Jean H. Hardt
Jean Harriet Hardt died peacefully sleeping at home on November 19, 2009 in Evans Mill, NY. She was 81 years young.
Family & friends are pouring in many happy memories of Jean; this announcement should take up the entire paper. We will do our best to give you a snapshot of her wonderful life. Jean was born on March 8, 1928 in Bridgeport CT to parents Benjamin & Sarah Mason. She loved her early years on Pleasantview Avenue where her extended family lived in many homes up & down the street. Walking from home to home to be with family on holidays brought so much joy to Jean!
Jean attended Central High School in Bridgeport, CT, and began her career at US Motors in Mildford, CT. After raising her family in Milford, Jean met her soul mate, Henry C. Hardt in Vermont. They married on November 17, 1973 and enjoyed 31 years of love. Henry passed away on October 2, 2004.
Jean was a striking bowler; trophies were abundant. She loved B-I-N-G-O, musical theater, the "quiche of the day" and the University of Michigan Marching Band. The North Country held a very special place in Jean's heart—she loved Vermont and picnics on her back deck in Cornwall where she recreated the "Pleasantview Ave." feeling with family & friends—always with a huge pot of clam chowder.
She loved her next home in Troy, VT where she and husband Henry "Hank" owned and ran the "Hardt Haus" B&B—Jean & Hank were involved in just about every community activity in Troy, including the Lions Club. Jean & Hank were fortunate to have so many friends.
Jean's grandchildren spent happy summer vacations at the "Hardt Haus" and affectionately called her "Grambo" when she wore her summer headband. Grambo always got the job done: reunions, holidays, and managed to gather her children & grandchildren together. She happily traveled TO family to celebrate their special occasions; always preceded by a card she thoughtfully selected. And sent every year without fail.
Jean is survived by her brother Robert Mason & his wife Eleanor of Bridgeport CT. Her children: Neil E. Przybylinski & wife Mary Ann of CT, Richard A. Przybylinski & wife Patricia of TX, Lauren & husband Jerry Liverette of FL, Ron Hardt & wife Heather of VT, Stanley M. Przybylinski & wife Susan Brady of MA, and Jeanne Layhee & husband Dale of NY. All 16 of Jean's grandchildren and their families loved her very much: Christopher, Benjamin, Gregory, Elizabeth, Richard, Sarah, Rachel, Cassie, Eric, Andrew, Zach, Josh, Luke, Grace, Heatherose, and Anna. She loved her 5 great-grandchildren: Kaleb, Rebekah, Alder, River & Leif. Nephews & niece Robert K. Mason, Michael L. Mason & Patty Mason and their families will miss Jean very much.
Jean's special friends included Barbara Nason , Debbie Foster & Debbie Jarvis of VT. She was preceded in death by her dear friends: Russell & Gladys Nason of Middlebury, VT.
A memorial service for Jean will be held in the spring.
Jean & her husband Hank would have suggested donations to Huntington's Disease Society of America in honor of their son-in-law Dale Layhee who is courageously fighting this disease. Donations can be made online: www.hdsa.org/donations.html or via mail: Huntington's Society of America, 505 Eighth Ave., Suite 902, NY, NY 10018.
"The secret of body and mind is not to mourn for the past, not to worry about the future, or not to anticipate troubles, but live in the present moment wisely & happily."
