Muriel Ethel Hardison

Muriel Ethel Hardison,This beautiful Seattle native passed away on 5/29/2023. She arrived in this world on 8/29/1932 the only child to Robert & Evelyn Thompson. Being an only child she valued the importance of her extended Smith family in Canada, and upon marriage she inherited the many in-laws that the Hardison family included. She loved to talk on the phone and would ring-up relatives to keep current.

She attended Queen Anne High School and upon graduation worked for the Department of the Army. While growing up, her dad instilled in her a love for music and she was an accomplished accordionist who could play a wicked polka with the best of them. Muriel met her husband Perley “Bud” Hardison when he relentlessly pursued her on the square dance floor and they promenaded into Wedlock. Their love for each other through the 57 years of marriage is a testament to the kind of commitment we all strive for.

She was so many things to so many people. She was an avid quilter, always on the look-out for that perfect fabric. An avid Mariner fan through thick or thin. She built friendships through the Old Time Fiddlers Music Association and enjoyed the many campouts, although she always said you should go for the desserts first when going through the potluck line! She taught us the spirt of volunteerism through her work as a docent with the Woodland Park Zoo, where her favorite animals were the gorilla’s and elephants. She loved her work with Make a Wish and helped grant many unique and generous wishes.

She loved to travel and on her last cruise to Alaska didn’t let age slow her down. She rented a scooter and left us in her dust! She loved Tahiti but worried her family who was swimming with sharks had lost their minds!

Through all her life, she was the matriarch, the glue of the family, planning Christmas get-aways to Leavenworth, and hosting family celebrations and tea parties. She was also never short on advice, or lending an ear. As years passed, she enjoyed the expansion of the family. She got a kick out of the “kids” accomplishments, the State Archery Champ, the world traveler, the dance recitals and little leaguers. She even tried to figure out what Anime was!

So it is with sadness that we bid farewell to our mom, grandma and great-grandma but what a life she lived, full of love and joy. I’m sure she is jamming out with the best of the music makers!

Lastly, when asked what the best memory of Great Grandma would be for a 13 year old, it was going to Dicks Drive-in for a sundae and adding extra fudge! We’ll keep up that tradition! .

A graveside service for Muriel will be held Saturday, June 10, 2023 from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM at Evergreen Washelli Cemetery, 11111 Aurora Ave N, Seattle, WA 98133.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.Evergreen-Washelli.com for the Hardison family.