Katherine Hardy 6/21/1943 - 10/7/2022 In Honor Of Katherine 'KJ' Hardy

KJ Hardy, most precious mother, passed away peacefully on Friday, October 7, 2022 in her Los Angeles home surrounded by her daughters. She was 79 years old. KJ was an inspiration of joy, positivity, intellect, creativity and love. Living with FTD for the past 20 years, she was exemplary in her courage, presence and zest for life. Born in San Francisco, CA in 1943, KJ lived her childhood and formative years in Cheyenne, WY. She attended Stanford University and graduated in June 1965 with an English major. She married her beloved husband, Robert 'Bob' Hardy, in Napa, CA in August 1965, and settled in Auburn, CA in 1977 to raise her daughters. In Auburn, KJ nurtured a strong circle of friends and celebrated family milestones. She was a dedicated member of her cherished Book Club for over 20 years, and was integral in her creative writer's circle, where she wrote the stories of her book, The Rules of Solitude. Upon her husband's death in 2017, she moved to Los Angeles and lived her remaining happy years surrounded by family. Daughter of Glenn and Jane Koford, KJ is survived by her three daughters Jennifer (Luis) Kuri, Lesa (David) Hardy-Bergeaud and Susanne (Michael) Guilbert; her four grandchildren Nicole Marie, Mateo Luis, Lucas James and Lila Jane; her brothers Shingle and John; her sister Mary; and a community of extended family and loving friends. KJ truly loved life! She was a patron of the arts, inspiring her family to go to the symphony, theatre productions and art exhibits. She adored the written word and devoured the great novels and biographies of past and present. She had a particular love of American cinema and musicals and would often be heard singing show tunes and reciting famous quotes. She was a fabulous gourmet cook, a lover of food and created unforgettable dinner parties, gatherings and holiday celebrations. She was a wonderful storyteller, regaling those around her with her luminous wit, intellect and humor. She was even a dedicated Stanford football fan with her husband Bob, though her true passion was probably the tailgate party and being with alumni friends. She loved to decorate her house, and was lovingly known in her family as 'the mad decorator,' collecting antiques, special heirlooms and surprising all with beautiful pieces from around the world. And how she adored her grandchildren and her 'dear and darling' sons-in- law! She was a woman of great humanity, who loved culture, people and above all else, the importance and lifeblood of family. Katherine, 'KJ,' Kage, Mama, Nana is cherished by her family. She was a truly special woman, remembered for her loving spirit and her true goodness. She never skipped a beat in her ability to laugh and her deep and immovable love of her family... a matriarch to the end. She will be so deeply missed but never forgotten. KJ will be laid to rest in Auburn Cemetery. A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, November 5th.