RUMFORD – Edwina S. Hardy, 62, died Wednesday, Sept. 21, at her home on Hall Hill Road, Rumford, after a brave battle with cancer.

She was born in Hartland on May 20, 1943, a daughter of Edward and Marian (Wyman) Laughton. She graduated from Hartland Academy Class of 1961 and then with honors in psychology from the University of Maine Class of 1965. She pursued a career in social work, first in Maine then in Boston, Mass. She later earned her master’s degree in accounting from Bentley College Class of 1981, became a CPA and worked as chief financial officer for several organizations, most recently GRAMI, in Rumford.

Stray cats flocked to her. Over the years she has helped many a cat find a good home. She also loved to work in her beautiful flower beds, creating wonderful crafts, sewing, knitting and travel. She enjoyed the maple syrup activity with her husband, Steve. She also served as a volunteer for Androscoggin Home Care and Hospice.

She was busy in her retirement, but always found time to help others. She was Maine Hospice Worker of the Year for 2004. She loved spending time with her grandchildren, Ethan and Justin Cantin of Peru, and Elizabeth Farnum of Winslow.

She was married in Brunswick on May 29, 1989, to Steven Hardy, who survives of Rumford. Other survivors include her parents, Edward and Marian Laughton of Hartland; two stepdaughters, Katie Cantin and husband, Jon, of Peru, and Sarah Farnham and husband, John, of Winslow; two brothers, Sherman Laughton and wife, Jeanne, of Lyndonville, Vt., and Nelson Laughton and wife, Ann, of Bel Air, Md.; a sister, Barbara Dunn and husband, Robert, of Hudson, Mass.; her three grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

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