Irene A. Hardie

Irene Adeline Feggestad Hardie, age 87, left her earthly journey peacefully at home onSunday, October 4, 2009. She was born January 2, 1922 in Edgerton, Wisconsin to Alfred and Helga (Olson)Feggestad, who preceded her in death. Her journey took her from Stoughton High School to the University of Wisconsin - School of Nursing, from which she graduated with high honors in 1945. She married Philip William Hardie, Jr., M.D. whom she met during his Medical School years at the U.W. Dr. Hardie preceded her in death in August of 2008.

Irene returned to Madison in 1961 and was offered a position on the U.W. Nursing School Faculty. She then earned a Masters' Degree in Education at the UW in 1970 and was admitted to the Sigma Theta Tau Honorary Nursing Society. She worked as Head Nurse on the Oncology Unit at UW Hospital for several years, and on the Ophthalmology Unit until the time of her retirement.

She was very active in her faith and with her Church, Bethel Lutheran Church in Madison. She was a member of PEO, the AE Chapter, American Nurse's Association of Women and Sigma Theta Tau. She worked in the Bethel Parish Shop after her retirement from UW Hospital.

Irene's most cherished moments in life came from time with her family. Irene, through her quiet effectiveness and dignity, left an indelible imprint on her children and grandchildren and her cherished siblings and their families. She taught us about strength, sacrifice, charity, love, hope, manners and how to manage money carefully and in a very humble manner. Her Faith in God was the beacon which guided her every move. Her favorite saying was ""Always believe"". And she did; and we do.

Irene is survived by her two daughters, Mary Alyce Hardie and Ann Elizabeth Hardie Domann of Madison, and her most cherished treasures, her grandsons, John, Mark, Paul and Teddy. Irene's world was brightest upon the birth of these boys. Irene is cherished and loved by her siblings, CliffordOlafFeggestad of Green Bay, WI, Audrey Jean Smith of Wausau, Wisconsin, Yvonne Lou Herlitzka (Al Herlitzka) of Mason City, Iowa, Rollin James Feggestad (Betty) of Stoughton, Wisconsin, and Nina Mae Barker of Highland Park Illinois, Lloyd Stokstad of Des Moines, Iowaand herbeautiful nieces and nephews and their children whomIrene loved dearly.She was preceded in death by her loving brothers and sister, Arden Feggestad, Ruth Eleanor Stokstad and Delaine Roger Feggestad. She was also preceded in death by her ex-husband, Dr. P.W. Hardie, her brothers-in-law, Robert Hatton Barker and Dr. Burton K. Smith and her sister-in-law, Gwendolyn Skinner.

Our family would like to thank the beautiful girls who took care of Mom on her journey the past few years of her life. Without you, Irene's journey would have been much more rocky. She experienced peace, joy and compassion as she struggled courageously. We also want to extend a sincere appreciation to Hospice and the lovely Team of nurses, doctors and CNAs who so graciously cared for Mom.

Funeral services will be held at Bethel Lutheran Church, 312 Wisconsin Avenue, Madison, onThursday, October 8, 2009 at 1:00 PM.Burial will be in Irene's childhood Church- West Koshkonong Lutheran Church inStoughton, Wisconsin. Visitation will be12:00 PM until the time of service. In lieu of flowers, Memorials may be made in Irene's name to Bethel Lutheran Church or Hospice, Inc. of Madison.

Rest your weary head dear sweet Irenie. Good night Irene. We will love you forever.