Irene Pearl Smith Hardy, age 101, peacefully passed away at Lorien Assisted Living, Mt. Airy Thursday, December 14, 2017

Born March 8, 1916 in Daisy, Maryland, she was the daughter of the late John D. and Emma Mae Murray Smith. She was the widower of J. Albert Hardy who died February 6, 1996. She was  preceded in death by son-in-law H. Kenneth Gosnell.

She attended the Daisy and Annapolis Rock one room schools and then to Lisbon High School for grades 7 thru 11 where she was the oldest living student. She was a farmer's wife. Since 1943, she was a foster mother to eleven children and her professional career was 24 year with Farmers and Mechanics National Bank in different capacities. She was the oldest member of Howard Chapel-Ridgeville U M Church, a Charter Member of the UMW, was organist and pianist for over 60 years, Sunday School teacher for 45 years and was the first woman Chairman of the Administrative Board for the church.  She held many other offices and served in many capacities. She served her community thru being a 4-H Leader, a leader in the Homemakers Chio, Lisbon School PTA and an Election Judge for Howard County. She was currently the President Emeritus for the Howard Chapel Cemetery.

Surviving are her brother, John S. Smith, Mt. Airy, Sister-in-law Louise Haney, Mt. Airy, her two daughters, Mary Frances Gosnell and Barbara Jean Dixon and "son" Carl Dixon all of Mt. Airy, her Grandchildren, Tamya and Matt Dugan, Deep Creek Lake, MD, Michael Dixon, Mt. Airy and Jennifer and Darren Wilson, Frederick. Great Grandchildren Kate Dugan and partner Michael Meliniotis, New York City, Brad and Lauren Dugan, Woodbine, Brett and Sarah Dugan, Canonsburg, PA, Kelsey and Matt Decamp, Woodsboro, Lauren Dixon, Woodsboro, Nate and Gracie Wilson, Frederick.  Also are Great, Great Grandchildren Callen and Elin Meliniotis (twins). Connor  Dugan and Brynn Dugan.

Also Foster Children Pat Williams, Williamsport, Nancy Decker, Sheridan, MT, Mamie Lurz, Catonvsille, Delores Hornbarger, Clearville, PA and Warren Frank, Millersville.

A visitation for Mrs. Hardy will be Sunday, December 17 from 3- 6 pm at the Molesworth­ Williams Funeral Home, 26401 Ridge Road, Damascus, Maryland 20872.  Funeral Service will be Monday, December 18 at 11 am at the funeral home with viewing an hour prior to service. Interment will be in Howard Chapel Cemetery, Long Corner.

 In lieu of floral contributions, Mrs. Hardy requested donations be made to the Howard Chapel Cemetery, 1674 Florence Road, Mt. Airy, MD 21771

Pallbearers - Grandsons Michael Dixon, Matthew Dugan, Brad Dugan, Brett Dugan, Darren Wilson and Nathan Wilson

Online condolences may be shared with her family at www.molesworthwilliams.com