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.