Dorothe Jayne Hardy

Dorothe Jayne “Babe” Hardy, 101, passed away on December 25, 2020 at her home in Sonoma with her family by her side.  She will be remembered and missed for her open heart, bright smile, and for her ever-present kindness to everyone who entered her life.  

Dorothe was born June 8, 1919 in Portland, Oregon, to Tom and Catalena Mullin. Her family moved to Salt Lake City, where she grew up with her brother Thomas and sisters Maureen and Leona. A member of the PI PHI sorority, Dorothe graduated with a B.S. in Dietetics (Nutritional Science) from the University of Utah in 1941.

On April 23, 1941 she married Lieutenant John Kay “Jack” Hardy, the love of her life. They had dated in high school and college, the relationship spanning nearly 8 decades, including the celebration of 71 years of marriage in 2012, after which Jack preceded her in death. They raised five children during their time as an Air Force family, living in several places from Northern Virginia to California to Japan over the next 27 years.

After Jack’s retirement from the Air Force in 1967, they built a home on long-owned acreage in Sonoma, moving there permanently the same year. Dorothe became one of the founding members of St. Leo’s Catholic Church and was very active in the Ladies Guild as an officer and volunteer for decades.

Dorothe also volunteered every election as a poll worker. You would see her smiling face at St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church for over 30 years.

 In 1978, Dorothe and Jack purchased the Valley Patio Drive-In and Golf Range on Arnold Drive. Ostensibly purchased for the golf range, as Jack was an avid golfer, the focus of the business grew to be the restaurant over the 17 years they owned it. “Mrs. Hardy” became famous for her nostalgic dinner specials and homemade desserts, including bread pudding (with apples, not raisins!), tapioca, and the ever-famous double chocolate layer cake.

Dorothe loved to analyze and discuss current events, from local politics to world affairs.  She was an excellent gardener specializing in succulents.

More than anything else, she loved her time surrounded by the beauty of Sonoma Mountain and the company of her beloved husband and family.

Dorothy is survived by three children – Wendy Peterson (Bucky), Lisa Forma (Joe), and Michael (Lisa Ann). She was preceded in death by her husband (Jack), her son, John (Jackie) and her daughter Jill. She is also survived by her grandchildren Mary Pat and Megan (Jackie), Shelly, Paddi, Eddie, and Larry (Jill), Jennifer and Andrew (Wendy), Madeline, Alexandra, and Elizabeth (Lisa), and 21 great grandchildren.

The Hardy Family wishes to acknowledge and thank the loving care provided by her caregivers.

A private memorial Mass will be held at St. Leo’s Catholic Church, with a private graveside service immediately following.

If desired, in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Leo’s Catholic Church or Hospice by the Bay.

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