Marian F Hardcastle

Well it’s about time…Hal I’m on my way…make sure you’ve got our little place in heaven all picked up and in order. One thing I promised myself is that after I died I wasn’t doing housework anymore! You’ve been on your own far too long my Adonis, so expect me soon.

It seems I departed this world on Wednesday July 8, 2015. What a great run, I can’t believe I made it to 87 with most of my original equipment.

I was the oldest of four daughters born to Joseph and Marjorie Fellows on February 6, 1928 in Salt Lake City, Utah. My surviving two sisters are, Janice (Bill) Knibbe and Judy (Knox) Huntsman. My dear sister Barbara (Martin) Chernek has preceded me in death. We grew up in a time of great scarcity and yet never knew it. I was so lucky to have such special sisters. Our lives were always filled with love and one another.

I miss my husband Hal G. Hardcastle with whom I married on June 16, 1949. We had a great life, full of adventure and travel and doing things that others dreamt of. We loved entertaining, “The Night Before The Night Before” Sing-a-longs were my favorite. I look forward to more adventures to come. Sweetheart you died December 28, 2007 and life hasn’t been the same since. So to make up for lost time, strap on your dancing shoes honey I’m on my way.

I am the proud mother of Cheryl (Bill) Groot, Brett (Kimberly) and Tom. I am also the loving grandmother to Cathrine (Patrick) Nelson and Jon (Kenzie) Groot. I am the delighted great-grandmother to little Ruth Marian and Cora Jean Nelson. Definitely worth hanging around for. My family has been the best part of my life, I know you will miss me, but I have taught you well. I know you will be OK. Let me live on in your hearts and memories.

I worked most of my life, first at Leyson Pearsol and finally at the Salt Lake School District Board of Education. I loved learning new things and being with my friends at work.

There were times when I asked myself why I was still here…then my granddaughter Cathy married Patrick and along came my great-granddaughters Ruth Marian and Cora Jean. My son Brett found love again and married Kimberly and then my grandson Jon married his love Kenzie. All is right with my world.

Well I now feel it is time to turn over this family to my children , Cheryl, Brett and Tom. All that I ask is that you continue to love one another and care for one another. Continue to make dad and I proud of you all.

To my South High Class of ’45 girlfriends….I treasured our longtime friendships and our gabby luncheons. To my dearest and oldest friend, Jean Powers Mullen, you have been my life since we were 17 years old. You are my fourth sister.

Thank you to my dear neighbors DeAnn and Carol for keeping me in crossword puzzles, books, Marie Calendar pies, B12, tons of goodies and good humor. To my dear Donna Kendall-Hardcastle, my love and wishes for a wonderful life. You are a chosen daughter to me.

Special thanks to Tom for making it possible for me to stay in my home through the final chapter. I am so grateful for your constant help: seeing I remembered to eat, doing my laundry, taking me to my appointments, keeping me in my Franzia Chillable Red and doing anything else I needed. I loved watching the History Channel and sharing Chinese Take Out with you. Thank you for holding my hand all night long on my last night in my own bed.

Well, I’ve made the kids promise not to have an open casket or funeral. They better follow my wishes! I want everyone to remember me with my eyes open and teeth in. I have conceded to a gathering on Monday, July 13 at Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park and Mortuary at 3401 S Highland Drive. Friends and family will gather from 9-10:00 am. Our dear family friend Roger Livingston has graciously agreed to dedicate my grave at a graveside service to follow at 10:30. Please come and help my family celebrate my life.

Let the next adventure begin.