Lois J Hardenbergh's Obituary
Lois J. Hardenbergh of Eustis, Florida passed away on Thursday June 29, 2023, at the age of 93. Lois was born at home on her parents' farm in Erie, Illinois in 1929 in the midst of the depression.
Growing up on the family farm during difficult times with no heat and an outhouse, Lois yearned to live on a lake and lived out her final years on Lake Maggie here in Eustis. Her home was the gathering place for all, family and friends. There was so much love and laughter in her home. She most loved when her family was together.
She married James G. Hardenbergh, a tall handsome veterinarian who she met on a blind date in 1949. They went on to have five children.
Lois had many titles, including, among others, daughter, wife, mother, sister, aunt, grandmother, great-grandmother, friend and caregiver. She was a non judgmental woman in thought who was ahead of her time.
No one ever left Lois' house hungry. She was an amazing cook, known for her soups, ribs, potatoes, and homemade candy, just to name a few. She always had special bags of candy that she would pass out to workers and others who came to her hose. She ate exactly four pieces a day. Not three, not five-four!
Lois loved to read, watch the Bachelor and Dancing With the Stars and was always down for a game of Dominoes, Skipbo or Farkle.
She was known for her love of TaB. When announcement of its discontinuance, friends and family emptied store shelves to provide her a stockpile. Coca-Cola even sent her an appreciation note with a TaB glass!
She is preceded in death by her parents, F. Everett and Katherine Joslin, and her husband Jim.
Lois is survived by her five children, Kim Hardenbergh, her favorite, John (Gwen) Hardenbergh, her favorite, Kathy (Greg) Riherd, her favorite, Joslin (Jim) Justice, her favorite, and Tracy (Mike) Nelson, her favorite; her siblings, Richard (Thelma) Joslin and Kay (Bruce) Peck; along with nine grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. Lois was so loved that she was known as Grandma Lois by many who were not family and some who had just heard of her. She has so many "honorary" family members, most notable Charlotte Snyder and Bart and Lola Parsons and so many more.
Although devastated by her sudden loss, Lois lived her life to the fullest. She was sharp as a tack and quick-witted. The week before her death, she spent the week at New Smyrna Beach with her family. It was her final gift of time she spent with family.
A life well lived, Mom. Bravo. If only we could have an encore.
A graveside celebration will be held on Monday July 3, 2023, at 10 AM at Greenwood Cemetery in Eustis, Florida.
In lieu of flowers the family has asked for donations to be made to your favorite charity.
Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared on the tribute wall.
What’s your fondest memory of Lois?
What’s a lesson you learned from Lois?
Share a story where Lois' kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Lois you’ll never forget.
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