Irene Ann (Bourbeau) Hardy

Irene A. Hardy, age 72, of Novi passed away at 11:45am, Sunday, April 21st, 2024.

To honor Irene’s memory, the Hardy family will welcome visitors on Sunday, April 28 from 3:00pm until 8:00pm at Thayer-Rock Funeral Home (33603 Grand River Ave. Farmington, Michigan). On Monday, April 29 we are holding a Memorial service at 11:00am in celebration of her life at the Funeral Home following visitation at 10am. (visitation beginning one hour prior). We invite anyone who knew her to attend and remember her wonderful life. Burial will follow immediately after the service at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery followed by a luncheon to be announced.

Irene was born September 17, 1951 in Detroit, Michigan, the daughter of Alfred W. and Mary (Bunio) Bourbeau.

Irene was a 1975 graduate of Wayne State University where she majored in teaching and earned a bachelor’s degree in education. Irene worked in elementary school education as a teacher and substitute teacher in western Detroit suburbs, including Northville and Novi. She then worked as a real estate agent for a brief period and strongly influenced the family’s move to Novi, with the sale and acquisition of a home by her sister, Janet Bourbeau, accompanied by her mother Mary Bourbeau. Six years later Irene moved with her husband Tim Hardy and children Christine and Allen from Westland to Novi, surprising her mom and Janet by becoming neighbors, moving 10 doors down the street. With the move she followed as a full-time housewife and stay at home mom.

Having an interest in home economics in early education, Irene continued and enjoyed crafts in many forms. She enjoyed family outings, going on walks, vacations, her children’s events and any special family occasions. She was very creative, a devoted mother who loved her family and home, was generous, always anticipating other’s needs. She loved games and became known as the Bingo queen at her skilled nursing facility and a Yahtzee whiz focused on her iPad game when on dialysis. As trials mounted with serious physical challenges, Irene proved to be one of the most gentle, humble, and kindest individuals most have ever met. She was beautiful, tender-hearted. One whose smile was contagious.

Irene is survived by a loving family including her daughter, Christine Hardy and son, Allen (Amy) Hardy of Bloomfield Township. Irene is also survived by one brother, two sisters and immediate family: Donald Bourbeau of Rochester; Janet Bourbeau of Novi; and Carol Lassiter of Florala, Alabama; nephew Fred Brent (Sarah) of Vancleave, Mississippi, and her niece Jessica (Bill) Watson of Florala, Alabama. Irene is survived as well by in-laws Tom (Vickie) Scarffe of Mansfield, Ohio; Elaine (John) Cangealose Jr. of Monroe; Cathy (Scott) Pagel of Strongsville, Ohio; Jane (Ralph) Woodbury of Monroe; and Ann (Mike) Hedges of Monroe.  In addition, Irene is survived by aunts, uncles, many nephews, nieces, and cousins both in the U.S. and Canada.

Along with the passing of her father, Alfred Bourbeau (June 24, 1992) and mother, Mary Bourbeau (April 17, 2009), Irene was preceded in death by her husband, Timothy Hardy on August 15, 2022 and brother-in-law Dennis Hardy on May 5, 2009.

For those desiring, memorial contributions can be made in Irene’s name to Power Life Ministries or Brightmoor Christian Church.  Online words of inspiration and comfort can be made by visiting www.thayer-rock.com.