MOUNT VERNON – Frances “Fran” Charlotte Hardy, 60, passed away at her home, with her family by her side, on Aug. 8.

She was born Jan. 28, 1945, in Bangor, the daughter of Charles G. and Annie (Kesaris) Brountas.

She was a steward of the land – traveling, camping, organic gardening, and growing beautiful flower gardens and towering sunflowers. She also had the wonderful ability to be thankful for each day, to accept all people as special and to carry herself with a tremendous amount of grace, respect and dignity, even as she faced the reality of living with multiple myeloma.

She was a positive, supportive role model as a teacher, parent, wife and community member, and she leaves behind many wonderful friends and extended family who were deeply touched by her incredible enthusiasm for life. She has left many grieving hearts that will miss her deeply and they will not soon forget her twinkling eyes and ever-present smile.

She attended Bangor schools and graduated from the University of Maine at Orono.

Following graduation, she taught second grade in Portland for one year and in Lewiston for 36 years. She retired from teaching in June 2004 to travel with her loving husband of 25 years, Malcolm D. “Mac” Hardy and to spend more time with her loving family, which includes her son, Aaron Stasulis and his wife, Lynn, and soon-to-arrive daughter, Isabella of Rockport; stepdaughters, Kimble Hardy of Unity, and Karin Hardy and her daughter, Kasey Kelley, of Mt. Vernon; and her stepson, Andrew Hardy and his wife, Teyara, and son, Kaenon, of Santa Cruz, Calif.

She also leaves behind her brothers, George Brountas and his wife, Kimberly, of Brewer, and their two sons, Nik Brountas and his wife, Hyun Ju, of Jeju, South Korea, and Howie Day of Veazie, and Charles Brountas and his wife, Carol, of Orono, and their children, Michael, Ryan, Chris, Jason, Tyler and Travis; her brother-in-law, Spencer Hardy and his loving wife, Barbetta, of Westbrook and their two sons, Josh Hardy and his wife, Angela, and their daughter, Elizabeth, of Ellsworth, and Thomas Hardy and his wife, Beth, of Dresden; many special cousins, aunts and uncles, all of whom loved Fran deeply; and last but not least, she leaves behind her faithful canine companion and cohort, Allagash Molly May “Allie,” who was by her side always.

She was predeceased by her parents; and her nephew, Andrew Brountas.