Kelcy C Laing

Kelcy Laing-Hardrick was born on August 27, 1948, in Brooklyn, New York, to her mother, Agnes Nicholson, and her father, Louis Laing. She was raised in Queens, New York, alongside her brother, Alexander Laing. From an early age, Kelcy was known for her warmth, style, and vibrant spirit; qualities that remained with her throughout her life.

She received her early childhood education through the New York public school system and obtained her high school diploma from Andrew Jackson high school in Queens, in 1966. Kelcy built lifelong friendships filled with laughter, dancing, movies, and adventures throughout New York City. She loved exploring The City, shopping with friends, and embracing life. Her natural kindness and magnetic personality drew people in and left lasting impressions on everyone she met.

Kelcy’s strength and determination showed early as she bravely chose to go out on her own and explore living on the beautiful island of St. Thomas for a short period of time. She then returned to live out her dream of having her very first apartment on Riverside Drive in New York City. Kelcy loved residing in the city and exploring all it had to offer. From visiting art galleries, museums, and theater shows, to checking out the scenes at jazz clubs, and discos. New York was her playground.

Kelcy always dreamed of having a family of her own. She was blessed to become the mother of her first born, Clifford Laing in 1975. While raising her infant son, she decided to take a leap of faith and went on to pursue a higher education by earning her bachelor’s degree in social work from the University of New Mexico. This achievement reflected the resilience, courage, and dedication that defined her life. During what was supposed to be a short trip to visit her father, Louis Laing in Hartford, CT, turned into the beginning of building her professional life. Shortly after moving to Hartford, Kelcy landed her first position at The Hartford Insurance Group, where she established the strong work ethic and professionalism that would guide her throughout her career.

In 1991, Kelcy began a remarkable career with the Connecticut Department of Children and Families. For 25 years, she served children and families with empathy, professionalism, and unwavering commitment. She began as an adoption social worker, advocating fiercely for children and maintaining connections with many long after they were placed in loving homes. She later worked as an investigator, ensuring children were safe and cared for, often working long and challenging hours. Eventually promoted to Social Work Supervisor at DCF Careline, Kelcy became known for leading with both authority and grace. Colleagues describe her as calming, dependable, and deeply compassionate, someone who made others feel supported and protected. She retired after a distinguished career, leaving behind a legacy of service that touched countless lives.

Outside of work, Kelcy loved deeply and lived fully. She was a supportive, patient, and caring wife to Daniel Hardrick during their 16 years of marriage. As a mother to her two children, Keli Laing and Clifford Laing, she was a safe space. She was proud, protective, and endlessly encouraging, creating a home filled with warmness, laughter, and shared experiences. She believed in making memories together.

Her role as grandmother brought her immense joy. She adored her four grandchildren, Alysha Laing, Khalil Laing, Savannah Bayard, and Julius Bayard. She cooked with her granddaughters, watched culinary shows with them, and laughed endlessly at the humor and personalities of her grandsons. Her love for them was gentle, steady, and deeply felt.

Kelcy loved bringing people together. Hosting family and friends filled her heart, and she found happiness in seeing people at peace and in harmony. Traveling was also one of her great joys. Whether flying, driving, or cruising, she was always ready for the next adventure. She often spoke about trips to St. Thomas and Jamaica as two of her favorite destinations.

Those who knew Kelcy often describe her in three words: intelligent, warm, and caring. Her beautiful smile could light up a room, and her presence brought calm to those around her. She believed strongly in protecting children, embracing inclusivity, and cherishing the blessings God had placed in her life. She prayed often, talked to God openly, and carried her faith quietly but deeply.

As a loving daughter, she decided to relocate to Port St. Lucie, Fl in 2020 to take over the care of her mother, Agnes. Kelcy cared for her mom until her mother’s passing in 2022.

Kelcy taught those around her to value friendship, protect those without a voice, pour into yourself, and check in on the people you love. She wanted children to be at peace and for her grandchildren to succeed in school and build lives filled with safety, joy, and purpose. She believed in pouring into others while remembering to care for yourself as well.

Kelcy passed away on February 17, 2026, in Port St. Lucie, Florida. Her passing leaves an immeasurable space in the hearts of all who knew her. The outpouring of love and messages shared in her memory speaks volumes about the life she lived. She will be remembered as an amazing mother, grandmother, wife, friend, colleague, and overall human being. Her smile was big and beautiful, and her heart was even bigger. The world is better because she was in it.

She is survived by her loving husband, Daniel Hardrick, Sr.; her son, Clifford A. Laing (Lakysha Laing); her daughter, Keli C. Laing; sister-in-law, Dianne Laing; and her cherished four grandchildren, Alysha Laing, Khalil Laing, Savannah Bayard, and Julius Bayard. She also leaves behind her dear niece, Alexis Laing, and nephew, Bryan Laing, her Godson, William Anthony Smith and Goddaughter, Dawn Tyson. As well as her best friend of 63 years, Lorraine Singleton (Israel “Butch” Singleton).

In addition, she is mourned by a host of family, friends, and in-laws who will forever hold her memory in their hearts.

She is now reunited in heaven with her maternal grandparents, Mr. & Mrs. Findlay, her beloved mother, Agnes Nicholson, her father, Louis Laing, and her cherished brother, Alexander Laing. Though they are no longer with us, their love and memories will continue to guide and inspire her family until they are together again.

Her memory will live on forever as one of the sweetest souls this earth has ever known.

As Kelcy would always say, “We’ll see”.