Susanne Marie Hardy

It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of Susanne Marie Hardy, 78. Susanne was born in 1947 in Hartford, Connecticut, to John and Anne Gabunas. Susanne was a beloved wife to Ron Hardy, who unfortunately preceded her in death. She was a cherished sister to Patty and Jack. Susanne was a devoted mother to Tara and her husband, Dennis, Michael and his wife, Amanda, and Jeff and his wife, Donna. She was a proud grandmother to Jack, Molly, Brodie, Luke, Blake, Abbey, Robert, Emily, Abby, Marla, and Dominic. Susanne's life was defined by a profound devotion to the people and things that she loved most. Susanne relished a dedicated career as an X-ray technician and embraced a life rich with hobbies and interests that brought her unmistakable joy. Later in life, she moved to Hobe Sound, Florida, where she honed her golf skills under the sunshine and found friendship and community both on and off the course. She was immensely proud of her children and her hole-in-one achieved at Heritage Ridge — in no particular order. Susanne left behind a vast recipe collection, including her famous orange blossom muffins, that led her to compete in the Pillsbury Bake-Off in 1961, where she was awarded finalist honors and met Ronald Reagan — a story she loved to share.

Susanne was often found with a book in hand, a Hallmark movie playing, or crocheting a baby blanket. She enjoyed her soda water with vodka best when shared with loved ones on her patio. She was a steadfast and fiercely loyal friend — the kind you trusted with the spare key to your house or would call if you ever needed to be bailed out of jail. She wore colorful clothes that complemented her equally colorful sense of humor. Susanne found happiness in the simplicity of her routines and the rhythm of her everyday life. Susanne’s life was defined by the strength of will, determination, and unwavering sense of self that she brought to every challenge she faced. She will be remembered with love by everyone who crossed her path. Her legacy lives on through the many lives she touched, the stories she shared, and the family she cherished