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BORN
1938
DIED
2017
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Dee Hardison Obituary
Resident and former Mayor of the City of Torrance, Delores (Dee) Hardison died September 30, 2017 at the age of 79. Born Delores June Grinton on January 22, 1938 in Bellingham, Washington to Walter James Grinton and June Lenora Arntzen, Dee was the eldest daughter of nine children. Dee met her husband to be, Lowell, while attending college and the couple married on June 18, 1960. Soon after moving to Torrance, California, Dee began her career in politics, first on the Torrance Parks and Recreation Commission and later on the Planning Commission. Dee was then elected to two terms on the Torrance City Council, serving from 1986-1994. When Torrance Mayor Katy Geissert left office, Dee followed, serving as Mayor from 1994–2002. Dee continued teaching for the Torrance Unified School District throughout her years in office. As an educator from 1970–1996, she was a substitute teacher, middle school teacher, and Administrator, earning Master's Degrees in Physical Education and Special Education. Dee received many recognitions for her service, including the Jared Sidney Torrance Award; the Hanley Hardison Research Center at Harbor UCLA Medical Center and the Dee Hardison Sports Center at Wilson Park were named for her. She was an active member of St. Mark's Presbyterian Church. Dee is survived by her husband of 57 years, Lowell; her sons, Mark and Brad; daughter-in-law Gretchen and son-in-law Nicolas; grandchildren Alisa and Ryan; brother William Grinton and sister Darlene Grinton; and numerous other loving family members and close friends. Viewing will be at Green Hills Memorial Park in Rancho Palos Verdes, 5 – 9 pm Thursday, October 12. Memorial service will be 9:30 am Friday, October 13 at St. James Catholic Church in Redondo Beach, followed by a private burial. Donations may be made to the Dee Hardison Scholarship Fund, Torrance Education Foundation, at www.torranceeducationfoundation.org. Sign guestbook at dailybreeze.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Dee Hardison
Sponsored by Daily Breeze.
October 25, 2017
Dee was a fantastic person and a friend when I worked for the Parks and Recreation Department. She was a very dedicated political leader who was always looking out for the citizen's best interest and not just the City's self interest. The city lost a real friend and she will be missed by the many people she helped in making the city a better place to live in! Bill Klement
Jared Carr
October 23, 2017
Mrs. Hardison was such an amazing teacher and never gave up on anyone including myself. My condolences to her family, she will be missed, but never forgotten.
October 13, 2017
I met Dee while my son was at Hull Middle School in the 1990's. We were asked to chair an event together. Dee was well-prepared and gracious in working with me. I will miss her smile. She was a great example for those of us who serve others. God Bless the Hardison family.
Carol Gilles, Torrance
October 11, 2017
To the family please accept my deepest condolences. May the family have peace and strength from Almighty God during this time.
Ellen
L. M.
October 9, 2017
Extending heartfelt condolences and prayers of comfort to the Hardison family. May the hope and promise of everlasting life sustain and comfort you during this difficult time. John 11: 24 & 25
Carolyn Weyant
October 9, 2017
Heartfelt condolences to the Hardison family. Dee was so fortunate to have you in her life. We were so fortunate to have known her and follow her career - since our Torrance National Little League days to present. She touched so many people, and I was definitely one of them. Carolyn Weyant - on behalf of Jim, Jeff, and Joel. -
Connie
October 9, 2017
May the God of comfort be with you at this time
Dunn
October 7, 2017
God bless
Mike and Sheri Dunn
October 7, 2017
Dee was a wonderful neighbor and will be missed. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Lowell and the family during this most difficult time.
The Dunn family
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Memorial Events
for Dee Hardison
Oct
12
Viewing
5:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Green Hills Mortuary & Memorial Chapel27501 South Western Avenue, Rancho Palos Verdes, CA 90275
Funeral services provided by:
Green Hills Mortuary & Memorial Chapel27501 South Western Avenue, Rancho Palos Verdes, CA 90275
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