Patricia L. Hardy

On December 8, 1945, the creative powerhouse that would be known as Patricia Lee Hardy entered the world. Patricia was born in Brooklyn, New York and lovingly adopted by George Andrew and Lillian Mable Griffin Lee. She was raised as an only child and led a happy childhood, enjoying many of the sights and sounds of New York City.

Patricia was educated through the New York City Public School System and later attended classes at the Fashion Institute of Technology in Manhattan to learn more about sewing and clothing design. Patricia eventually started working at Princess Hotels as a Group Reservations Representative, where she remained for 19 years. She then started working for the Federal Government as a Functional Area Supervisor for the Department of Homeland Security in NY, until she retired in 2006. Upon retirement, Patricia relocated to Charlotte, NC, where she began to build a new life with her “4th child”, “Ms. Aries”, her cherished teacup Yorkie.

Patricia developed many creative passions throughout her life. Over the years, she penned thoughtful poetry and painted unique artwork, several pieces are still displayed in her home today. She loved to cook, and she made the best Macaroni-and-cheese on this side of heaven! Patricia loved to sew and became such a skilled seamstress that she soon sported a wardrobe that largely consisted of her own handmade garments, “PLH Originals” as her children lovingly referred to them as. Sewing, and later quilting was such a joy and creative outlet for her that she later joined local sewing and quilting groups to socialize with her fellow creatives.

Patricia had a lifelong love of travel. If there was a cruise or group trip being planned, you could count her in! She amassed quite a collection of thimbles, t-shirts and refrigerator magnets from all the destinations she visited and often requested traveling loved ones to bring her those items back as souvenirs.

Patricia met her husband John Francis Hardy in 1966, and they married on October 28, 1967. They had 2 children together, Bruce Wade, Sr and Kim Frances, as well as an elder daughter, Erica Faulkner. These 3 children expanded the family with 5 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren. Patricia loved her family tremendously and was affectionately known as “Madea” because of the way she was known to fiercely protect them at all costs. She instilled in her children that it was “Family First” always, even those family that you chose. She had a host of friends and those she considered “family by choice” that loved her dearly. She brought a smile to everyone she met, and she will be deeply missed.

Patricia was preceded in death by her husband John Hardy (1994), her parents George and Lillian Lee, her brothers-in-law Joseph A. Sr and Charles Hardy, her parents-in-law Marion G. and Beulah Hardy, her niece Marion Hardy, and her great-granddaughter Bailey Wright. She leaves behind her children Bruce Sr, Kim and Erica; Grandchildren Lavon, Jhayda, Bruce Jr, Jared and Monae; Great-grandchildren, Amari and Riley; Sister-in-law Ruth Hardy, who she lovingly referred to as “Sis”; nephews, Joseph Jr, Russell Sr, Russell Jr, Ay’Den, Adam and Benjamin; nieces, Erika, Nicole and Adrianne, her devoted Yorkie Ms. Aries, and a loving extended group of family and friends.

On Wednesday, November 21, 2018 at 2:36am, Patricia Lee Hardy was called home to her eternal rest. She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.