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Nita Hardie Obituary


HARDIE (HEARD), NITA

On September 23, 2012, we lost a pioneering woman - Nita Heard Hardie. Nita left this world with the same grace she exhibited throughout her 83 years of living. She passed quickly after waging battle with cardio pulmonary obstructive disease and lung cancer. Nita Hardie was born in 1929 in Breckinridge, Texas, to Clyde and Gordon Heard. Unlike many women of her times, she pursued her educational aspirations obtaining a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science from North Texas State University in 1953 and her masters degree in government from Indiana University in 1956. In 1964, Nita joined the Political Science Department at Western Michigan University where she served until her retirement in 1992. During her tenure, Nita developed courses in the area of race and gender equality and
founded the Women's Studies program at the University. Nita was appointed Chair of the Social Science Area in 1972 and later became Assistant to the Dean of the College of General Studies. Nita retired after serving 28 years in various capacities at WMU. Following her retirement, Nita moved to Carefree, Arizona to be near to her mother Clyde Heard. Nita created her own sanctuary in Carefree and traveled throughout the United States and Europe. Nita was a tireless advocate for the disenfranchised, giving of her time and money to her most cherished causes, including supporting the Archaeological Field School at Arizona State University and funding a fellowship in the Women and Gender Studies program, also at ASU. Nita also supported those around her, helping others pursue their dreams. She will be greatly missed by all those touched by her love and generosity. Nita is survived by her two children, John Hardie and Rebecca Hardie, her beloved grandchildren Jack and Mackenzie Bunzel-Hardie, her former husband Thomas Hardie, and her life partner Mary Sue Hyatt. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the ASU Foundation for the Nita Heard Hardie Women and Gender Studies Fellowship Award Endowment. Donations may be made payable to the ASU Foundation, c/o Jill DeMichele, P.O. Box 876405, ASU, Tempe, AZ 85287-6405. Online gifts may be made at:
www.asufoundation.org/NitaHardieFellowship.

Published by Kalamazoo Gazette on Oct. 14, 2012.
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Memories and Condolences
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4 Entries

Mom, I am remembering you on this Mother's Day. I miss your laughter and sound advice. I know you live on in your grandchildren. They show your keen intellect and sense of humor in all that they do.

We love you,
Becky

May 12, 2013

Nita was my mentor a champion of my dreams and a force of nature. Though through the years we lost touch- she was never far from my mind and always in my heart. Today while reading the WMU newsmagazine I saw the notice of her death. My heart skipped a beat. Thank you Nita for everything, love, Joann M Russell Sherwood, Oregon, a suburb of Portland, Oregon

Joann Russell

December 21, 2012

My memories of Nita include her sense of humor, her fudge, card playing, gardening; she could build anything and her love of her grandchildren, Jack and Mackenzie. I will miss her.

Carla Rogers

November 20, 2012

Nita was one of ther best department chairs. We ALL loved her and admired her great abilities.

larry israel

October 17, 2012

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