Obituary of Sophie Hardie

Sophie Hardie, a lifelong Denville resident, passed away peacefully with her adoring children by her side on Thursday, January 25, 2024 at Fallsview Rehabilitation and Nursing Center in Boonton. She had shared 91 years of unconditional love, priceless wisdom, contagious smiles, and many unforgettable memories with family and friends alike.

Sophie was born on a beautiful crisp day in August of 1932 to the late Stanislaw and Antonina Brodziak. She grew up alongside her siblings playing around the streets of Denville, when Denville was only starting to become what it is today, due to the Great Depression. She graduated from Rockaway High School, Class of 1950, before marrying her High School sweetheart and soulmate, Richard “Jack” Hardie, on January 14, 1951. Together they settled into Ford Road on Denville and began a family of their own. Sophie was a doting wife and attentive mother, especially while Jack served our country in the Korean War. She was a natural caregiver; Sophie was such a good Mom, she was adopted by all the children in the neighborhood while hers were growing up. She liked to cook and loved to feed others. Her kind soul could be felt by humans, animals, and plants equally. Without a doubt, this world is a better place because Sophie was in it.

Having been born in such a generation, Sophie overcame and adapted. She was the BEST shopper of anyone, anywhere. Having been endearingly nicknamed things like “Black Belt Shopper” she knew exactly which store to go to, and at what time, to get the greatest deal. Her guilty pleasures included trips to any Casino, Bingo games, and watching the Jets. Above anything else, spending time with her grandchildren was always the top priority and her most favorite thing to do. Sophie had a genuine, kind, loyal soul and generous, strong-willed, and down to earth spirit that will be forever missed and always treasured. Although we are deeply saddened by her passing, we take comfort in knowing she is now reunited with her beloved husband, Jack, and beloved son, John J. Hardie, her parents, and her siblings, Charlie, Frank, Pete, Joe, Phil, Mary, and Annie.

She leaves a lifetime of happy memories to her loving children, Marlene Thalman and her husband William of Denville, Michael Hardie and his wife Elizabeth of Parsippany, and Robert Hardie and his wife Melanie of Denville; her cherished grandchildren, William “Billy” and his wife Jackie, Jessica and her husband Gregory, Cassandra “Cassie”, Jake, Josh, Shannon and her husband Christopher, Joseph and his wife Danielle, Jack, John, Scott, and Kyle; her treasured great-grandchildren, Eloise Sophie, Dylan, Tyler, Emma Sophie, and Jason; and many dear nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends.

Public Visitation will be held on Wednesday, January 31st from 4 – 7 pm at Norman Dean Home for Services, 16 Righter Avenue, Denville. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, February 1st at 10 am at St. Mary’s Church, 15 Myers Avenue, Denville. Burial will follow at Denville Cemetery in Denville. Memorial Donations are being accepted by way of www.inmemof.org to ensure receipt of your donation to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Please leave a condolence, light a candle, and share your favorite memory of Sophie here to continue to celebrate her life and let her light shine on.