Blanche Hardick

Walker Valley, NY

Blanche Hardick of Walker Valley went home to be with the Lord and her parents on August 26th, 2024. She was born on July 31st, 1936 in St. John's Hospital in Long Island City to her late parents Louis and Bertha Benes Hlavacek.

Blanche lead a life filled with compassion, and perseverance. Those who knew her best knew her as strong-willed and driven. She was always doing for others whether it be her family or her community.

She was employed as a teacher's aide for the Pine Bush Central School District for 6 years. She worked mostly with Mrs. Schneller and Mrs. Bickel. They were her favorites.

She also was employed by Sears and Roebuck in Middletown from 1975 to 1998. She started in the catalogue department in the Orange Plaza. When Sears later moved to the Galleria Mall she began working as a salesperson in Bed and Bath, she went on to become replenishment supervisor. Blanche and her co-workers Juanita Canterino (1940-2017), and Nancy Dittmar (1942-2018) became lifelong friends. Blanche also bowled for 25 years with Stacia's Cut-ups.

In June of 1959, Blanche became a member of the Walker Valley Fire Company Ladies Auxiliary. She served as secretary for several years, then later became vice president (1974), and president (1975). After 42 years serving her community through the auxiliary she became an honorary member in the year 2001.

Blanche was steadfast in her faith. She was a devoted parishioner of The Church of The Infant Saviour for many years. She also attended mass at Our Lady of The Valley Catholic Church regularly.

Blanche is survived by her 4 children, Louis Hardick, Ronald Hardick and his wife Linda, Michael Hardick, Patricia Westridge and her husband Steven. Her Grandchildren Malinda, Heather and her husband Bryan, James, Jessica and her husband Jordan, Staci, Anthony and his fiancé, Ashley, Shawn, Deborah and her husband Andy, Nicole and her husband Wayne, Patrick, and Andrew and his wife Mary. Her great-grandchildren Izaiah, Jailyn, Christopher, Isabella, Dominick, Niko, Enzo, Ana, Wyatt, Matthew, Ayden, Bella, Emma, and Wayne. Her brothers Louis, and Gerard. Several nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, and also great-nieces and nephews. Barbara Palinkas who has been a very special friend since 1959.

She was predeceased by her brother Robert Hlavacek, sister Dorothy Hlavacek, former husband Clarence Hardick, nephew John Hlavacek, and Joan Weed, a friend for many years.

Visitation will be held in the evening at William Gagan Funeral Home Inc. on Friday August 30th, 2024 from 4pm-7pm. Mass will be held Saturday August 31st, 2024 at the Infant Saviour Church beginning at 10 am burial to follow in Walker Valley Cemetery and wrapping up the day with a celebration of life at the Walker Valley Firehouse. Any donations can be made to the Walker Valley Fire Company Ladies Auxiliary. To leave an online condolence, please visit www.wmgaganfuneralhome.com