Mary H Tardiff

Mary Helen (Szopa) Tardiff, 77, of Manchester, New Hampshire, passed away peacefully on Friday, September 26, 2025, surrounded by her family at the home of her daughter, Stephanie.

Mary was born on September 8, 1948, in Manchester to Theresa Annie (Pasieka) Szopa and Adolf Joseph Szopa. She graduated from St. Casmir School in 1962, Memorial High School in 1966, and went on to earn her Licensed Practical Nurse certification from Moore General Hospital in May 1968.

On November 1, 1969, Mary married the love of her life, Ronald Albert Tardiff, in Manchester, NH. Their love story began quickly — after only two months of dating, they married and built a devoted 51-year marriage until Ron’s passing. Together they raised two children, Jason Aaron Tardiff (deceased) and Stephanie Kristen Tardiff, in a loving and caring home.

Mary dedicated her life to caring for others. She worked as a nurse with Elliot Hospital where she first met Ron, Convenient Med Care, Parkland Medical Center, and as a private duty nurse. Her compassion and skill touched countless lives. She was also a proud and active member of the American Legion Auxiliary for over 30 years, giving her time and heart to supporting veterans.

Mary was known to many as Babci, mother, sister, and friend. She loved cooking and often filled her kitchen with the smell of new recipes she discovered and carefully saved in her many binders. She was an avid reader and surrounded herself with hundreds of books, always eager to learn and explore new stories. Adventurous at heart, Mary enjoyed trying new restaurants and spending time with friends at the American Legion. She also had a love of history and delighted in sharing fun facts and stories with her granddaughter Nicole, moments that Nicole will always treasure. Above all, her greatest joy was her family, and she cherished every moment spent with them.

Mary is survived by her daughter Stephanie Tardiff and her husband Justin Coutu; her grandchildren Brandon Tardiff, Tyler Tardiff, Olivia Tardiff, and Nicole Tardiff; her great-grandson Charlie; and her sister Dolores Szopa-Dunn and her husband Robert Dunn.

She was predeceased by her beloved husband Ronald, her son Jason, her parents Theresa and Adolf Szopa, and her siblings Reverend Daniel Szopa, Richard Szopa, and Judith Szopa.

A service will be held on Thursday, October 9th, 2025 at 11:00 am at The New Hampshire State Veterans Cemetery, 110 Daniel Webster Hwy, Boscawen, NH. A celebration of life will follow at the American Legion, Sweeney Post 2, 251 Maple Street, Manchester, NH. Family and friends are invited to attend and celebrate Mary’s life.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her memory to the American Legion Jr. Auxiliary, Department of NH at 21 S. Fruit St., Suite 266, Concord, NH 03301.