Obituary of Norma Hardy

Norma "Eileen" Hardy passed away peacefully at the Lloydminster Hospital in Lloydminster, Saskatchewan on Saturday, March 7, 2009 at the age of 77 years. Eileen will be sadly missed by her children: Cheryl and Vic Finnestad, Marilyn and Les Mitchell; seven grandchildren; seven great grandchildren; her mother Ella Rundberg; sisters: Dale Sewers, Joan and Edward Knowlton; brothers: Lionel Rundberg, Russell and Maxine Rundberg as well as numerous other relatives. The Funeral Service was conducted from Southridge Community Church, Lloydminster, Alberta on Wednesday, March 11, 2009 at 2:00 P.M. with Reverend Bob Aldrich officiating. A solo, "No More Night" was sung by Shelley West. The hymn sung was "Amazing Grace" accompanied on the piano by Brad Berkan. Special CD music "I Will Remember You" by Sarah McLachlan was played. Honorary pallbearers were Everyone In Attendance. Active pallbearers were Jason Mitchell, Billie Jo Mitchell, Becky Newman, Lindsey Mitchell, Tyson Mitchell, Tara Ferguson and Shinnel Diachinsky. Interment was held at the Lloydminster City Cemetery. McCaw Funeral Service Ltd., of Lloydminster, Alberta administered the funeral arrangements. Eulogy for Eileen Hardy as given by Jason Mitchell Norma Eileen Hardy was born at home on October 7, 1931 to Ella & Godfrey Rundberg, the third child in a family of seven. She grew up and attended school in the Milleton district north of Maidstone. After her schooling she worked briefly at the Chisholm's dairy before heading west to Smithers, B.C. in 1950, where she worked as a waitress at Heggies Café. The Saskatchewan girl returned to Lloyd in 1951 and went to work at the Royal Café. It was here that she met the love of her life, my Grandpa Ron Hardy. They were married in a simple ceremony on March 8, 1952. They were blessed with 3 healthy children, Marilyn, Cheryl, and Duane. Tragically Duane lost his life in an industrial accident in 1975. Grandma was kept busy raising her family but did return to work, first as a waitress at Jack's Esso and then at the Dr. Cooke nursing home when it opened in 1970. She worked at the Dr. Cooke until she retired in 1993. The family moved to the Blackfoot district in 1957, into town in 1961, and in 1962 built the house that they lived in for the rest of their lives. Many of my memories of Grandma and Grandpa involve good times had in that house, from sleepovers to holiday gatherings and feasts. Blackfoot was a great community to raise a family and many good times were shared with neighbors and friends. The curling rink was an integral part of community life and Grandma loved curling, whether it was competing herself or cheering on Grandpa or her kids. While Grandma was in the hospital an old newspaper clipping was brought in with a picture of my mom, Aunt Cheryl, Betty Orbeck and Grandma, proud winners of the Lloyd Ladies Bonspiel in about 1976. Grandma was the best lead in the country, her draw weight was deadly. She continued to curl with the Lloyd seniors twice a week right up till this past Christmas. It seemed fitting that her last days in the hospital were spent watching the Scott Tournament of Hearts with family and friends that stopped in to visit. If she were still with us she would be watching the Brier today, draw 13 is on as I speak. About 2 or 3 years ago there was some excitement during a Blackfoot Ladies Club meeting at the hall. Naida Christie looked up and saw Kevin Martin Walk in and go downstairs. She turned to Grandma and excitedly told her what she had seen but Grandma skeptically replied with something like "Ya right, what would Kevin Martin be doing here". Turns out he was there to purchase the curling rinks old rocks. This revelation thoroughly disrupted the meeting until it was arranged for Kevin to stay and sign some autographs. The ladies got their autographs, and pictures with Kevin using an old camera they kept at the hall. After he left Grandma asked Naida how many pictures remained on the film, so they could use them up and get the film developed. Well it turns out that there were no pictures left and no film in the camera, so the photographic evidence of the visit was lost. Grandma and Grandpa were very active and enjoyed golfing, watching the Oilers and Eskimos, camping, travelling, and family reunions with both sides of the family. In about 1979 they purchased a lot at Laurier Lake and had many wonderful times there with family and friends. They had some of their best times following their seven grandchildren's activities. Whether it be school, 4-H, sports, or any other events we were involved in, they would always be there. In recent years Grandma was also a regular attendee at her great grandchildren's events. In 2001, after 49 years of marriage, Grandma lost her life partner Ron, but she found the strength to carry on. She continued her close relationship with and care of her mom Ella. She remained active in the community and was a dedicated member of the Blackfoot Ladies Club and Blackfoot Seniors and became a member of Reverend Bob's flock at the Kitscoty Community Church. She joined the Red Hat Ladies group the "Cranberry Cuties", a fun loving bunch of very close friends and always looked forward to their activities. She volunteered for Big Brothers Big Sisters, delivered water to patients in the Lloyd hospital, helped serve ice cream at the Dr. Cooke, and helped with BINGO at the Pioneer Lodge. Grandma also continued with her love of travel, taking many Dudding bus trips with her sister Dale and other friends. Summers were busy with golfing and caring for her large yard, her lawn and flowers were beautiful and she always planted a small garden. And of course she always had time for a glass of wine with friends. Grandma had a strong passion for the Edmonton Oilers and Eskimos. When Grandma came to visit you could be sure she would ask to turn on the game. I could always discuss the fortunes or more recently the plight of the teams and I have fond memories of stopping by Grandma's house to watch a game. Grandma lived a full and active life and enjoyed her friends and family. We will each treasure our special memories of her and miss her dearly but can take comfort in knowing that she is now reunited with the two men of her life, Ron & Duane. Rest in peace Grandma, we love you. Card of Thanks: The family of Eileen Hardy would like to thank Dr. Snyman, nurses and staff of Lloydminster Hospital for their care and attention. To all of Mom's friends who stopped by for a visit, thank-you. Thanks to Reverend Bob Aldrich for his prayers and the beautiful service. Thanks to Shelley West and Brad Berkan for their gift of music. Special thanks to the grandchildren for being pallbearers, and to the Blackfoot Ladies Club for the delicious lunch. We would also like to thank our many friends, neighbors and relatives for their kind expressions of sympathy, the many cards, phone calls, flowers and donations of food. The kindness and compassion shown to us at this time will always be remembered. A special thanks to Dale McCaw and staff of McCaw Funeral Service. In lieu of sending thank-you cards we will be making a donation to The Alberta Cancer Foundation - The Ride To Conquer Cancer. Les & Marilyn Mitchell & Family Vic & Cheryl Finnestad & Family Donations in memory of Eileen may be made to The Alberta Cancer Foundation - The Ride To Conquer Cancer or to a charity of the donor's choice.