Katherine Elizabeth Hardy, 63, of Traverse City, passed away October 31, 2022, due to a biking accident.

Kathy was born November 5, 1958, in Flint, MI, the daughter of William Madaras and Phyllis Carboneau. She grew up in Traverse City on Boughey Hill, where she made many close, lifelong friends. She attended Glenn Loomis Elementary, Traverse City Junior High, and Traverse City Senior High, where she participated in the National Honor Society, Pep Club, the Pines Yearbook, and both band and orchestra. On July 1, 1978, at the First Congregational Church, she married her high school sweetheart James Edward Hardy; they celebrated their 44th wedding anniversary in July of this year.

She was a 1978 graduate of the Northwestern Michigan College Registered Nursing program and began her nursing career in Hancock, MI at Portage View Hospital while Jim attended Michigan Technological University. They returned to Traverse City where Kathy worked at Munson Medical Center as a Pediatric and OB nurse, falling in love with Pediatrics. She went on to work at Kids Creek Children's Clinic for 20 years. She earned her bachelor's degree in Nursing from Ferris State University and worked at Surgical Associates and the Northwest Michigan Surgery Center in the ambulatory surgery setting. Kathy was working at the Foster Family Community Health Center in the ARTC Pre-Procedural Services Department, and just completed her Master's in Nursing Informatics this October.

She was an avid runner, mountain biker, and yogi. She ran the Bayshore Marathon, as well as many other 5, 10, and 15K races; several with a daughter in the baby jogger when they were young. After many years of running, she switched over to her beloved mountain biking and yoga. She loved riding her bike all over Old Mission Peninsula and participating in the annual Iceman Slush Cup. She also enjoyed attending regular Yoga classes with her tight-knit group of yogis at the Neahtawanta Inn.

Kathy was above all else a people person and loved connecting with people and hearing their stories. When she asked someone how they were doing or what they've been up to, she truly wanted to know. She found joy in almost everything, and made everyone feel warm, welcome, and cared for. She was very excited to be a part of the Old Mission Women's Club and continue to get more involved with the local community. She loved animals and cherished all her former family pets and most recently her grand-dog Willow. She knew all of the neighborhood dogs by name and loved giving them treats when they went by on their daily walks. Of course, this also included a good chat with their owners.

Kathy was an amazing mother and role model to her two daughters, Suzanne and Jacqueline. Always their #1 fan, she enjoyed attending their many schools and sports activities, proudly cheering them on with a loud whistle and an occasional cow bell. When the girls entered young-adulthood and their professional careers, Kathy remained a huge supporter and was always eager for the next family visit full of love, laughs, and good times.

Kathy leaves behind her husband, Jim Hardy; daughters, Suzanne Hardy (Dylan Sullivan) and Jacqueline Hardy; Mother Phyllis Carboneau, mother-in-law Annette Hardy, and sister-in-law Lori (John) Kwasky. She was preceded in death by her father, William Madaras; and father-in-law, Edward Hardy.

The family would like to cordially invite you to an open house celebration of Kathy's life on November 10, 2022, at the Reynolds Jonkhoff Funeral Home from 4-8pm. Out of respect for all friends and family, please consider wearing a mask.

In lieu of flowers, those wishing an expression of sympathy are encouraged to contribute to the Cherryland Humane Society, a very important program that Kathy was passionate about. Please visit www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com to share your incredible memories of Kathy with the family.