Eleanor Nancy Hardy

With a life well-lived, Eleanor Nancy Hardy, beloved aunt and friend, known for her kindness, resilience, and fun-loving manner, died peacefully on April 16, 2025 after a brief decline. Eleanor was a life-long resident of the White Plains area and a member of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church. She recently celebrated her 102nd birthday surrounded by loved ones.

The youngest of 7 children, Eleanor was born at home in Greenburgh, NY on March 25, 1923 to Vita and Frank Marconi. With the Bronx relatives visiting almost every weekend, there was never a dull moment in the large extended family. Those early days created lasting memories which Eleanor never tired of recounting with tears of laughter. As a child, she recalled being shy and sickly, but as an adult she quickly discovered her adventurous spirit and resilience. Eleanor was a good student and the first of her siblings to graduate from Hillside High School in 1941. Within a short time, she was hired at Reader's Digest in Chappaqua, and for 44 years, among other jobs, supervised the publication and distribution of their Skill Builder materials for children. These years were among the happiest and most fulfilling of her life, where she made life-long friendships and developed her love of art, music, and travel. She became an accomplished artist and sang with the Reader's Digest Choral Group, performing weekly at local nursing homes. At an early age, passport in hand, Eleanor fearlessly began traveling the world, first on her own, exploring her roots in Sicily, and then to all parts of Europe, Asia and the US, often accompanied by family members and friends. In marriage, Eleanor and her husband Theo nurtured their shared love of opera and travel, spending 8 weeks every other year in Germany and visiting relatives and friends throughout Europe. In later years they explored more local regions, with adventurous "day-cations".

Eleanor was a member of the "greatest generation" and was a positive thinker throughout her life. She cared for her mother, sister Julie, and husband Theo until their passing. Throughout her life, she remained active and social, and enjoyed gardening, classical music, PBS, opera and cooking her favorite Italian meals for invited guests.

After a brief stint in assisted living in 2019, Eleanor decided she'd had enough, and moved back home, grateful for the support she had in doing so. Her 100th birthday party in 2023 was attended by many family members and friends who celebrated her remarkable strength and beauty, inside and out.

Eleanor was predeceased by her beloved parents, her brothers Mark, Paul, Alfred, Albert, her sisters Josephine, and Julia, husband Theo, nephew Robert Marconi, and many dear cousins. They welcome her now with open arms.

Aunt Eleanor is survived by many nephews and nieces, and the living descendants of all her 1st cousins, among whom are: Paul Marconi, Elaine Marconi, Alfred and Maryann Marconi, Bill and Marie Marconi, John and Diane Marconi, Patricia and Larry Young, Richard and Gilda Marconi, Peter Ihrisky, Marilyn Marconi, The Courson family, Steve Roberts, Cathy Scortino, and many more great and great-great nephews and nieces. Memories of visits to Crystal Lake in the Catskills, holiday and birthday parties, the art of making fun out of nothing, and the value of a deck of cards will continue to resonate.

As the last of this generation, Aunt Eleanor became a second mother to us, and her absence will be deeply felt. She was an exceptional person, and we will miss her smile and easy laughter, the always-on-time birthday cards, family stories, and unconditional love.

Eleanor leaves behind cherished friendships with Francine, Geraldine, Ursula, Priscilla and Vicky.

Mille graze to Miranda for the last few weeks of round-the-clock care; she added sparkle to Aunt Eleanor's days. Special thanks to Johnny, who was always on-call, and devoted to making life easier, safer, and more pleasant for Aunt Eleanor. Finally, there are no adequate words to express our heartfelt appreciation to Francine Intile, Eleanor's long-time trusted friend and assistant, who made it possible for her to age-in-place, on her own terms, with grace and dignity at home. The family is forever grateful for her companionship and accompaniment of Eleanor over the years.