Barbara Ann (Petrarca) Hardesty passed away peacefully on September 9, 2013, at her home with family by her side. She courageously battled aggressive uterine cancer for two years, inspiring friends and family around the world with her optimism and grace.

Barb was born in Baltimore, MD on October 17, 1949 to Frederick and Mae Elizabeth "Betty" Petrarca. One of six siblings, she was the instigator of many childhood shenanigans and grand adventures. At the tender age of sixteen, Barb, wearing a handmade bikini on a Maryland beach, met her husband-to-be, Robert Michael "Mike" Hardesty on a blind date. A few years later, the two reunited and were married in a Glen Burnie, Md. church on June 6, 1970. Always popular, Barb was later named the Sweetheart of Mike's college fraternity, Sigma Nu, which followed her high school rein as Prom Queen.

In 1971, the newlyweds headed west to Boulder, Colorado, where they met lifelong friends and enjoyed backpacking trips, canoeing down the Colorado and skiing the slopes of the Rockies. In 1977, Sara Michelle was born, followed by Megan Elise in 1982.

As her girls grew up, Barb worked part time as a meeting planning consultant and artist. However, her primary focus was always her two daughters. Their childhood was filled with boat races, puppet and magic shows, tubing down farmer's ditches, cardboard box forts, trampolines and lemonade stands. Barb taught Sara and Megan how to live life to its fullest and to be independent and compassionate women.

When the girls grew older, Barb enrolled in the University of Colorado. Tapping into her Italian heritage, Barb studied history, art and Italian language, later earning her Bachelor's degree in Humanities in 1993. The degree served her well in first developing La Bella Vita, a company specializing in Italian architectural tiles, and later creating her pride and joy, Da Vinci Capers, in 2003. The program was inspired by Leonardo Da Vinci, teaching science, art and cooking in Italy and greatly influencing the lives of her many participants. Later, in 2012, Barb was proud to receive her Italian Citizenship and passport.

Throughout their 43 years together, Barb and Mike continued their adventures, living for short periods in Manhattan, England and Paris. Barb adjusted easily to urban life, enjoying the vibrant energy that matched her spirit. The two traveled around the world, with many trips to Europe, Asia, Africa, Alaska, the Caribbean, and to visit their daughters in Singapore and Hawaii.

In 2007, Barb's first grandson, Arthur, was born, followed by Quinton in 2010. "Nonna" (Italian for grandma) immediately infused her signature playful energy and unwavering love into the boys' early childhood.

Barb had the ability to bring joy to nearly everyone she met. Her light-up-the room smile, unbounded passion for life and warm generosity made the world a more cheerful and fun place. She was a gourmet cook, an accomplished artist, and took joy in bringing friends together for good food and conversation. Barb squeezed more from life in her 63 years than many who live years longer. We will miss her terribly.

Barb is survived by her husband, Robert Michael Hardesty, her daughters Sara Michelle Hoverstock (Joe) and Megan Elise Haertling (Trevor), three siblings Dale Louise Hanlon, Linda Marie Schafer, and Frederick William Petrarca, and her beloved grandsons, Arthur and Quinton Hoverstock.

Obituary from legacy.com

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