Mary Grace Hardin

LAKELAND - Mary Grace Eannelli Hardin, 89, beloved wife, mother, grandmother and friend, peacefully passed away after a short battle with cancer on Tuesday, August 23, 2016, while surrounded by her loving family. She was born on April 28, 1927 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin to Paul and Vincenza Eannelli. She graduated from Mount Mary College with a degree in medical technology. In 1954, she met the love of her life, John Hardin, on a blind date picnic in the Wisconsin Dells. She then moved to Lakeland in 1955 with her parents, followed shortly by John who she married in 1956 at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Lakeland. She worked for Dr. Sokoloff, doing research under a grant at Florida Southern College and then for Dr. Hodges and Dr. Cloud as a medical technician for many years while also helping her husband and parents run their coin laundry and freezette in west Lakeland, P.J's Restaurant on South Florida Avenue and K&H Equipment Co. on East Memorial Blvd., not officially retiring until the age of 83. She was the epitome of the perfect daughter, wife, mother, and grandmother, always in the cheering section for every event that her husband, children and grandchildren were involved in and was consistently a compassionate, caring and supportive advocate for her family. She was an active parishioner at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Lakeland for over 60 years where she dedicated her time and talents serving the needs of the Parish and School Academy. She is survived by her husband of over 60 years, John; her daughters, Tina Marie Tebo Hardin (Dave) and Cindy Ann Hardin Pilka (Dan); grandsons, Jonathan, Joey, Christopher and Alex; and cousin, Delbert Eannelli, Jr. She was preceded in death by her parents, Paul and Vincenza Eannelli; and grandfather, Vincent Foti. Visitation will be on Friday, August 26, 2016, 5:30-7:30 at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 210 W. Lemon St. Lakeland. Funeral Mass Saturday, August 27, 2016 at 12:00 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Lakeland, followed by graveside services. A Celebration of Life in the Church Parish Hall will follow. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to: St. Joseph's Parish Foundation, Inc., 213 W. Lemon St., Lakeland, Fla. 33815.

Mary Grace Hardin

April 28, 1927 - August 23, 2016