Alice L. Hardman's Obituary
Alice L. “Baba” Hardman, a beloved educator, mentor, and friend, passed away peacefully on Thursday, April 3, 2025, at Mercy Regional Medical Center. She was 84 years old.
Born in Barberton, Ohio, on February 20, 1941, to John and Gertrude Meehan, Alice graduated from Barberton High School in 1959 and went on to earn her degree in Education from Kent State University. Her passion for learning and guiding others led her to dedicate her entire professional life to St. John’s Catholic School, where she served as both teacher and later as Principal—the role in which she spent the majority of her distinguished career. Alice was the first lay principal in Lorain County, a trailblazer whose leadership and dedication left a lasting legacy.
A firm but kind presence, Alice was respected deeply by her colleagues and cherished the lifelong friendships she formed throughout her career. Her commitment to excellence was evident in everything she did—her home, her wardrobe, and even her sweet tooth, which she indulged with delight.
Alice was a proud and active member of Beta Sigma Phi International Sorority for over 50 years, serving on the council and enriching the lives of many through her involvement. She was also the recipient of the Paul Harris Fellow Award, from Rotary International. A woman of strong convictions and warm spirit, she even served as a delegate for Jimmy Carter at the Democratic National Convention in New York City -just one example of her enthusiasm for civic duty and making a difference.
She was known for her impeccable sense of style, her love for keeping things neat and tidy, and most of all, her generous heart. Alice had a unique ability to lift others up, often offering help before it was even asked for. She never met a stranger, and her joyful presence lit up every room she entered.
Alice is survived by her devoted husband of 63 years, Donald Wayne Hardman; her brother, Kenneth Gene Meehan; nieces Shelly Meehan and Kelly Meehan (Mike Planey); nephew Shaun Meehan (Dawn); many great-nieces and nephews; and her cherished “special family,” whose lives she touched deeply, the Engle Family, Kim, Rex, Allie, Jake (Courtney), and Harper, Dawn, Michael(Emily) and Kevin (fiancée, Michaela) Kuhn; and her lifelong friends, Martha Brown, and Betty Bradbury. She was preceded in death by her parents, John and Gertrude Meehan, and her brother, John Meehan.
The family will receive friends on Wednesday, April 9, 2025, from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. at the Dovin and Reber Jones Funeral & Cremation Center, 1110 Cooper Foster Park Road, Amherst. A funeral service will immediately follow at 4:00 p.m. in the funeral center.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Alice’s memory to a charity of your choice. Her legacy of kindness, service, and love will live on in the countless lives she touched.
Rest in peace, Baba—you will be deeply missed.
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