Kenneth Poe Funeral Services

September 2, 2023

Oh, when the Saints go marching in

When the Saints go marching in

Lord, how I want to be in that number

Oh, when the Saints go marching in

Sandra Moore Hardy, our beloved wife, mother, grandma, aunt, cousin, and friend, marched (or danced) into heaven with the Saints on Saturday, September 2, 2023.

A native Charlottean, Sandra graduated from South Mecklenburg High School (Class of 1962). It was there that she met the love of her life, “her everything”, Jack in 1959. After earning her commercial degree at “the WC” Woman's College of the University of North Carolina (now known as University of North Carolina Greensboro), Sandra and Jack were married in 1965 at Sharon Presbyterian Church in Charlotte. They made a deal when they got married that she would learn to play golf, and he would learn to dance. They enjoyed both activities during their fifty-eight years of marriage.

Sandra was a mother first to Stephanie and Allison, but she did work in a variety of roles. She traveled the continental US representing Red Mill Manufacturing, a unique gift line, at gift and souvenir shows. Out of her love for fashion, she worked for high-end dress retailers Montaldo’s and Paul Simon for Women, plus designed and managed a merchandise showroom in the Carolina Virginia Trade Mart. She served as Membership Director at The Tower Club and Myers Park Country Club where she retired in 2011.

A natural-born dancer, Sandra grew up dancing all styles and then teaching ballroom at the Henderson School of Dance in Charlotte. She owned and operated Young Sophisticates in the 1980s where over 600 students in grades 6-12 learned ballroom dancing and party manners. Her students were invited to dance at local events and competitions. She loved to put on a show!

Her passion for shag dancing started at Cherry Grove Beach in SC when she was in high school. She and Jack started taking lessons along with some friends in the 1980s at Groucho’s Beach Club where they danced several times a week. You could also find her on the dance floor at most SOS (Society of Stranders) events at Myrtle Beach. She was honored to be inducted into the Charlotte Area Shaggers Hall of Fame in 2012 at Lynn’s Dance Club.

A social butterfly, Sandra loved organizing social events, family reunions, high school reunions, luncheons, cocktail gatherings, bridge and Mahjong games. She found great joy in bringing family and multiple friend groups together at the Hardy Christmas Day Open House and Easter Egg Hunt. She always got so excited for trips with family and friends; especially the yearly beach trip with her high school girlfriends.

Sandra grew up worshipping at Sharon Presbyterian Church, raised her family at Sharon United Methodist Church, and later became a member of Myers Park United Methodist Church and the Builders Sunday School Class. She enjoyed serving in the church and other community roles with the Carolinas Thanksgiving Day Parade, Belk’s Serenade to Autumn, and Carmel Country Club’s Ladies Nine Holers Association.

Sandra was a fighter. Diagnosed with stage 4 peritoneal cancer (a type of ovarian cancer) in 2011, she survived multiple rounds of chemotherapy over twelve years. She always knew that she was in God’s hands and said it was better to be in God's hands than fighting these battles alone. Often, on infusion days, she would bring small trinkets – pins, flowers, bracelets – to give to other cancer patients and staff. She wanted to share some of her hope and bring a smile to their faces. We are grateful for all the care provided by the doctors, nurses, CNAs, and staff at Levine Cancer Center and Sharon Towers.

Above all else, Sandra cherished time with her family. She loved to talk about Jack, her daughters, her son-in-law, and especially her grandson. From simple family dinners to fancy holiday feasts, going to the movies, swim meets, dance recitals, going to NC State and Panthers football games, trips to exotic places and trips to Blowing Rock mainly for apples, she just wanted everyone to be together. Loving each other.

Sandra was loved beyond measure and gave her family and friends the same love in return. We will miss her vibrant light in this world. She is survived by her husband, Jack; daughter Stephanie Hardy; daughter Allison Neilsen and her husband, Chris; her cherished grandson Jack Neilsen; niece Sheryl Woodard (Andrew); and many cousins.

Family and friends are welcome to attend her Celebration of Life, which will be held at Myers Park United Methodist Church in Charlotte on Saturday, September 9, 2023. The service will begin in the sanctuary at 2 pm, followed by a reception in Jubilee Hall. If you are unable to attend, please join the family via https://boxcast.tv/channel/avywlradrkwnpw81mpef

One of her requests was please no flowers. To honor her life, please plant a tree or donate to your favorite charity. Or make a memorial donation to the Carolinas Ovarian Cancer Fund through Atrium Health Foundation (atriumhealthfoundation.org/tribute) which supports research, improvement of patient treatment, and early detection efforts of ovarian cancer.

Arrangements are in the care of Kenneth W. Poe Funeral & Cremation Service. 1321 Berkeley Avenue, Charlotte, NC 28204 (704) 641-7606. Online condolences can be shared at www.kennethpoeservices.com.