Mary Lou was born February 12, 1939 to Fred & Audrey Skrine. She was the oldest of their three children and the only girl. She grew up in the Whitefield district and took her schooling there until the school closed and she went to school in Deleau. That was where she met her husband Alex Hardy.
Alex & Mary Lou were married May 4, 1957 and raised a family of four children. Those years were spent helping on the farm, canning, baking and keeping house. When the children were almost grown Mary Lou took a job at the daycare in Souris as the cook. She enjoyed it there and decided to take night classes to earn her Early childhood Education certificates. She was very proud of this accomplishment and continued to work at the daycare until 1992, even working as director there for a time.
Through the years music was always a part of Mary Lou’s life. She had fond memories of performing at the Christmas concerts at Whitefield school . She was an accomplished musician – she could play the accordion, the guitar, the piano, the organ, the keyboard and sing beautifully. She mostly played by ear and once hearing something could usually play it. She was the organist at the Grande Clairiere church. The choir was a special group of friends and she always talked about the fun they had at “practices”. She also shared her talent by singing and playing at the personal care homes in the area.
Mary Lou liked to be busy. Through the years she had many hobbies. She always had some kind of craft on the go – she could sew and crochet and all her family have something that she made. Mary Lou also curled, golfed and played cards – all with a very competitive nature- she loved to beat Dad at anything!! They loved dancing together and began many lifelong friendships with the people they met at dancing.
The grandchildren were very special to Mary Lou and she always had time for them. There were sleepovers, camping trips and Grandma attended as many of their activities as possible. She was thrilled when the next generation of great-grandchildren started to arrive.
Mary Lou passed away June 28, 2015 in the Souris Hospital. She is survived by her husband of 58 years Alex, her children Jim Hardy (Kate), Ken Hardy (Rhonda), Karen Van Buuren (Dick) and Susan Hardy (Doug Morrison). She also leaves her brothers Jack Skrine (Connie) and Ted Skrine (Linda), seven grandchildren: Jenna (Cody ) Wheelans, Dave (Jenna) Van Buuren, Amanda (Scott) Hardy, Alex(Becky) Hardy, Rob (Malina) Van Buuren, Shawn (Amber) Hardy & Brent Hardy and seven great-grandchildren: Hunter & Ryder McCormick, Kylan Hardy, Aria & Landon Hardy, Kaylee Van Buuren and Carter Wheelans.
A private graveside service was held at the Souris cemetery July 4, 2015 with Father Philip Malayil officiating. Members of the Grande Clairiere choir provided the music for the service.
Donations in memory of Mary Lou may be made to Cancer Care Manitoba or the Souris Hospital Palliative Care Fund c/o Prairie Mountain Health Box 10 Souris, Manitoba R0K 2C0.
So very sorry to read of MaryLou’s passing. I am so glad that I had a visit with her last year at PCH while I was home with mom (Eileen Reid) it had been many years since I had seen her. Prayers are with you at this time.
Our sincere sympathy in the passing of Mary Lou. She was loved, and will be missed by all who knew her. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this difficult time.
Hugs, Dale and Grace
My thoughts and prayers are with you at this sad time.
Our condolences Alex to you and your family.
Many years have passed but we can still remember old friends.
Your sorrow will pass , remember the good times.
Thinking of you all at this very sad time. I have fond memories of your mom. I enjoyed working with her very much. She was a very special person and such a beautiful singing voice.
Our condolences to Alex and family on your tragic loss. We have missed the two of you on the golf course.
Sorry to hear of Mary Lou’s passing. Her many talents and her love of music will be missed. Our thoughts are with you all.
We would like to extend our most sincere sympathy to all of you.
You will have so many beautiful memories of Mary Lou to cherish.
We remember her as having such a sweet disposition. She will be truly missed by everyone that knew her.
Kindest regards
Bill and Lucy Elliott
Alex and family. Sorry to hear about Mary Lou. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Love: your Hardy cousins in Dryden
We are thinking of you with sincere sympathy.
Alec and family; we were so sorry to hear of Mary Louise passing and offer our sincere deepest condolences to you all. We were so hoping to see you both back dancing. Our thoughts and our prayers are with you all and do take care as you deal with every thing that comes. Our loving best wishes to all.
Very sorry to hear of Aunt Mary Lou’s passing. I have such fond memories of the farm and raspberry pie. My thoughts are with you Uncle Alec and the entire family. Love Cary and Jodi
Susie , I was sorry to hear of your moms passing. She was such a nice lady. Losing a parent is so hard. I’m sending you a big hug