Jean C. Hardy, born in South Gate, California, to Catherine and Richard Limbird, grew up in the Atwater neighborhood of Los Angeles. She was the drill team leader at John Marshall High School, where she graduated in 1955. Jean later attended the University of Southern California and earned an Associate of Arts degree from Orange Coast College in 1976.
Jean married William Murphy in 1956, and they had two children, Janis Hernandez (Murphy) and William E. Murphy, before divorcing in 1975. In 1984, she met Glenn M. Hardy while working at the Fountain Valley School District. They married in 1986 and shared a happy life until Glenn's passing in 2002.
Jean was a dedicated homemaker during her children's early years before beginning work at the Fountain Valley School District. She held various positions, including lunchtime aide, office secretary, and purchasing manager, eventually becoming the Purchasing Director at Downey Unified School District, where she worked until her retirement in 2004.
A lifelong lover of dogs, Jean raised Weimaraners for many years and later developed a fondness for Dalmatians. Her dog "Gia" earned a Championship title, a source of great pride for Jean.
In her retirement, Jean was deeply involved in her community, volunteering with the Fountain Valley Police Department's RSVP program for over a decade. She also contributed her time to local organizations like the Rotary Club and the Assistance League of Huntington Beach.
Jean cherished time spent with her family, always eager to connect with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She is survived by her children Janis (Jim) Hernandez and William (Penny) Murphy, stepchild Bo (Nancy) Hardy, and several grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Jean was preceded in death by her parents, Catherine and Richard Limbird, and her sister, Elizabeth Squire.
Her memory will forever remain in the hearts of those who knew and loved her.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Assistance League of Huntington Beach.
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Assistance League - Huntington Beach8071 Slater Ave., Ste. 145, Huntington Beach, California 92647
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