Sylvia N. Hardy, 83 of Fernandina Beach, Florida, departed her earthly home for her eternal heavenly home December 23, 2025.

Born June 28, 1942, in Pass Christian, Mississippi, she was the second oldest child of fifteen of Woodrow and Wilda Mauffray.

At the age of thirteen, a fifteen-year-old boy and his family of twelve children moved into the community. This thirteen-year-old girl quickly caught the eye of this thin, six foot three, blonde, blue eyed young man. His stature towered her four-foot eleven height. She tells the story that when she met him, she thought of him as an oddity compared to other boys she had known. They eventually began to court, and a loving relationship blossomed and eventually resulted in a marriage that lasted sixty-one years until his death at the age of eighty-one. Sylvia would often tell the story that while they were courting, she always had at least one of her siblings in tow.

This union resulted in the birth of three sons. Their first son was born a week before their first anniversary, and a labor which began on her birthday. This son obviously wanted his own birthday and was born the after her birthday. The second son joined the family a year and a week later. The third son was born eight years later. It was often said of this son “We finally achieved perfection”. This son and his wife were the ones that lovingly cared for her in her last days.

While her husband was making a living building homes, she was busy as the homemaker. The two oldest sons recall shared birthday parties that were planned and executed with love by their mother. The youngest son was celebrated every day well at least that is how his older brothers viewed it.

Sylvia lovingly relished her role as “Maw-Maw” and “MeMe”. This continued when she became a Great Grandmother. She often spoke fondly of fishing with her Daddy and jitterbug dancing with her brother.
She is survived by her three sons, Darryl (Clarke), Brian (Becky), and Brandon (Tammy). She is survived by five grandchildren, Bradford (Anna), Blake, Austin, Lauren (Luke) and Logan (Miranda); eight great grandchildren, Gavin, Kate, Sofia, Landon, Braelyn, Rylie, Parker and Alex; six siblings, Garvin Mauffray, Sandra Edwards, Thomas “Tommy” Mauffray, Gerard Mauffray, David Mauffray, and Jean Jackson.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Charles T. Hardy, her parents, Woodrow and Wilda Mauffray, eight siblings, Harlan Mauffray, Randall Mauffray, Michael “Mickey” Mauffray, Kathy Ashford, Woodrow “Woody” Mauffray, Janet Mauffray, John Mauffray and Paul Mauffray.

The family would like to express their gratitude to the Eucharistic Ministers, who faithfully brought communion to her every week.

Service is Tuesday, December 30th at 11:00 am at St. Michael Catholic Church located at 202 N. 4th St., Fernandina Beach, FL. Gravesite burial will follow at Bosque Bello Cemetery. Reception following at St. Michael Reception Hall.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Community Hospice, Jane and Bill Warner Center.