Bill Text: NY J02085 | 2021-2022 | General Assembly | Introduced
Bill Title: Mourning the death of Barbara Jo Hard, devoted educator, loving mother and grandmother, and distinguished citizen
Spectrum: Slight Partisan Bill (Democrat 43-20)
Status: (Passed) 2022-03-22 - ADOPTED [J02085 Detail]
Download: New_York-2021-J02085-Introduced.html
Senate Resolution No. 2085 BY: Senator KENNEDY MOURNING the death of Barbara Jo Hard, devoted educator, loving mother and grandmother, and distinguished citizen WHEREAS, There are certain outstanding members of our community who, through their selfless commitment and dedication, have served to better the quality of life in our community and have had a measurable positive impact on the lives of its residents; Barbara Jo Hard was one such individual; and WHEREAS, It is with profound sorrow and deep regret that this Legislative Body records the passing of Barbara Jo Hard, noting the significance of her purposeful life and accomplishments; and WHEREAS, Barbara Jo Hard of Buffalo, New York, died on February 3, 2022, at the age of 77; and WHEREAS, Born to Joseph F. and Jean (MacVicar) Hard on November 9, 1944, Barbara Jo Hard was raised in South Buffalo with a wonderful blend of her Catholic Ukrainian and Scottish Protestant families; and WHEREAS, Following her graduation from South Park High School in 1962, Barbara Jo Hard attended Buffalo State Teacher's College where she majored in Exceptional Education; and WHEREAS, Barbara Jo Hard began her illustrious career in education at the West Seneca Developmental Centre before becoming the Director of Education at the Erie County ARC; and WHEREAS, In 1983, along with a co-worker from ARC, Barbara Jo Hard co-founded Bornhava, a private pre-school in Erie County renowned for its intensive and excellent educational programs for children with disabilities; she lead this vital organization until her retirement in 2013; and WHEREAS, Throughout her lifetime of service to others, this remarkable woman welcomed six young men from Vietnam into her home, all of whom went on to receive an education, citizenship and successful careers; and WHEREAS, Furthermore, in 1992, she travelled to Russia to adopt her daughter Emily Marina and one year later, returned to adopt her second daughter, Maggie; and WHEREAS, With a steadfast and unwavering commitment to her community, Barbara Jo Hard was active with the sisters of Mercy, where she attended many retreats and was designated as an associate of the order; she was also part of a Bible study and had a special relationship to a group of women from Korea; and WHEREAS, Always up for an adventure, Barbara Jo Hard travelled extensively to Europe, Vietnam, Jamaica, Alaska and across the United States to visit family and friends; and WHEREAS, While she was passionate about many things, above all her greatest passion was being a devoted mother to Nguyen (Jennifer) Tu, Maggie Wills, Marina Hard, Jeffrey Nguyen, Don, Henry and Anh Vu, and the late Quang Doan, as well as a loving grandmother to her several beloved grandchildren; and WHEREAS, Barbara Jo Hard's infinite selflessness and benevolence will shine on through her family's vivid and happy memories; her insight and strength will forever serve as a beacon of love, light and hope to the countless lives she touched; and WHEREAS, Armed with a humanistic spirit and imbued with a sense of compassion, Barbara Jo Hard leaves behind a legacy which will long endure the passage of time and will remain as a comforting memory to all who were privileged to have known and loved such an amazing woman; she will be deeply missed and truly merits the grateful tribute of this Legislative Body; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to mourn the death of Barbara Jo Hard, and to express its deepest condolences to her family; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to the family of Barbara Jo Hard.