Louise Ione Tardy

Louise was born in Hampton, Virginia, on December 4, 1932. She was preceded in death by her mother, Edna Elizabeth Rovetta, also known as “Lizzie”, and her father, Joseph John William Rovetta, also known as “Papa Joe”.

She is survived by her loving husband of 60 years, John W. Tardy II, retired US Navy; her daughter, Pamela Gray-Sibley and husband Richard of Ashville, North Carolina; her two sons, John Tardy III and wife Ann of Newport News, and Charles Tardy and wife Katty of Hampton; ten grandchildren, Major D. Jason Gray, USAF (retired) and wife Maria, Patrick Sibley, Cedric Sibley, John Tardy IV, Kristine Tardy, Paul Tardy, Amy Tardy, Jessie Loper, Charlene Loper and Allison Tardy; five great-grandchildren, Kayla Gray, David “Jason” Gray Jr., Amanda Tardy, John Tardy V, Rachel Tardy; sister, Mary Thompson and husband Maury; sisters-in-law, Joyce Mitchell and Patsy Hobgood; niece, Dionne Howerton; and nephew, Rickey Avant.

Louise grew up in Hampton, and met her childhood sweetheart and lifelong companion, John W. Tardy II, in the halls of George Wythe Jr. High in 1947. She graduated from Hampton High School in 1951, and was married to John shortly after.

As the proud wife of a Navy Seabee, Louise traveled the world while raising a family. Ultimately, she settled back in her hometown of Hampton, Virginia, where she became a member of the Fraternal Order of Police, Lodge No. 26, as well as a member of Parkview United Methodist Church.

Above all, Louise was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother who left a proud legacy. She was greatly loved and admired by all those who knew her and she will be forever missed.

The family will receive friends from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on Thursday, January 26, 2012 at Parklawn-Wood Funeral Home, with a celebration of Louise's life to begin 12:00 p.m. Interment will be in Parklawn Memorial Park.

Friends are encouraged to visit www.parklawn-woodfh.com to share memories and words of condolence with the family.

Arrangements are under the care of Parklawn-Wood Funeral Home, 2551 N. Armistead Avenue, Hampton, VA 23666.