Mary Elaine Hardin, 79, of Freeport IL, peacefully passed away on May 03, 2025 surrounded by her loving family. Mary was born on November 11, 1945 in Dekalb IL, to Halstead and Florance (Bauer) Hardin. Mary worked many years at the Elgin Mental Hospital, She was a member at Harmony United Methodist Church in Freeport.

Mary has 5 children, 10 grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. Mary has many close friends: The waitstaff at Big Apple, neighbors at Westport Village, and many others who took her fishing.

Mary was a shining light in the lives of all who had the privilege of knowing her. Her journey on this earth was marked by love, compassion, and unwavering faith in God. Her passing has left a void in the hearts of her family, friends, and many more lives were touched by her.

Mary loved to read her bible and loved a good mystery book. She also enjoyed knitting and crocheting. She enjoyed baking and cooking. She spent a lot of time with her family if it was fishing, school events, or going on outings. Mary enjoyed spending time at the lake with her niece Bonnie (Bruce) (who was a month older than her). She will be dearly missed by her 2 cats Bella and BB. She also enjoyed living in Savanna where she did a lot of fishing with her brother Richard. Richard was a big part of Mary's life until his passing.

She is survived by her children: Bonnie (Lyle) Boland of Freeport, IL, Diana Hardin of Freeport, IL, Alice (Santos) Hardin of Freeport, IL, Jason Hardin of Clinton, IA, and Jimmy (Trinity) Hardin of Savanna, IL; grandchildren: Justyne, Madison Wilcox of Freeport, IL, Ryan, Cole Boland of Freeport, IL, Natalie Hardin of Clinton, IA, Santos, Emma, Pedro Barranco of Freeport, IL, Alex, and Alayna Hardin of Savanna, IL.

Mary is preceded in death by her brothers: Richard Hardin of Freeport, IL, and Robert (Bill) Hardin of Rockford, IL; her sisters: Mildred Wolfenberger of Sycamore, IL, and Barbara Erb of McHenry, IL.

A memorial service will be held on Friday May 9, 2025 at 2 PM, with visitation from 12 noon until the time of service, at Harmony United Methodist Church, 2600 W. Pearl City Rd in Freeport, IL, with Pastor Eddie Eddy officiating. A luncheon will follow the service.