Kathryn L. Hardy

Kathryn L. Hardy of Kent died peacefully in her sleep at home on Tuesday, December 29, 2020 at age 73. She was born to her parents in Greenville, PA on February 3, 1947. Kathy was a devoted wife and would have been married to her husband Marlen “Mike” Hardy 55 years on May 31, 2021. She was a loving mother to her 4 daughters and a proud grandmother to her 10 grandchildren.

After a year at Westminster College, Kathy transferred to Kent State where she pursued additional course work for accounting, income tax preparation and management. She became certified as an Enrolled Agent in order to represent her income tax business clients before the IRS. She enjoyed her years working at CPAid under the president and later with the director of Best while in Kent. She was a long-time active member of the United Methodist Church of Kent and active with many community activities, including being a driving force with a lot of help from others to start the Portage County Clothing Center in a room at the UMC of Kent, which grew to larger locations until arriving at their current location. She was pleased to accept the Presidential Award from President Clinton for the development of the Portage County Clothing Center as a charitable business, which was ranked 3rd in the nation with a $10,000 check for the center along with Mark Frisone in New York. She was an amazing hostess for any event; a voice for the less fortunate; a champion for women’s rights and the rights of migrant workers fighting for fair wages. Kathy was selfless in her work to help others without wanting to be in the spotlight and she had a strong desire for peace and social justice. She developed the plans for two major ways to help children in Portage County which are currently in process. She felt strongly that all children should have healthy nutritious food to eat with adequate clothing, shelter and appropriate medical care. She was organized, efficient, caring and humble. She will be missed by all who knew her and especially those who loved her.

Kathy was preceded in death by her parents, James and Evelyn Campbell, and her infant brother, James Lewis. She is survived by her husband, Marlen “Mike” Hardy; daughters: Marlene (Eddie) Hardy-Gomez, Michelle Hardy, Marcia (James) Miller, and Melanie (Joe) Hardy-Neuzil; grandchildren: Eddie Lavery, Michael Lavery, Brittany Pilat, Rachel Pilat, Jamie (Josh) Docea, Jacqueline Miller, Julia Miller, Nathan Tichy, Andrew Tichy, Aaron Hardy and step-granddaughter, Molly Neuzil; siblings: William (Cheryl) Campbell, James (Peggy) Campbell, Tina (Harold-deceased) Zank, Thomas (Marleah) Campbell, and Donna (Randy) Price along with many other family members.

A special thank you to Dr. Annette Andrews, Amanda and Laura, as well as the hospice team from Hospice of the Western Reserve Dr. Marina Lazbin, Stacey K, Alesha, Lilly, Jackie K, Wayne and Loretta.

A Celebration of Life service will be held later in 2021. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in her name to: United Methodist Church of Kent, Hospice of the Western Reserve, or to her husband, Mike Hardy to support Kathy’s plans for children in Portage County. Services in care of Bissler and Son's Funeral Home and Crematory.