Gillian Hardley

Gillian F. (Jill) Hardley (86) of Traverse City, stepped into the presence of Jesus on March 26, 2025, just four and a half weeks after her husband, Mick. Jill was born June 30, 1938 in Swansea, Wales to Daniel Owen and Mary Griffiths Francis. After she finished school, Jill came to Sault Ste. Marie, Canada to visit her cousins. While there, she met Mick Hardley who was attending college at Michigan Tech in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan.

Mick and Jill fell quickly in love and were married October 4, 1958. They were blessed with 5 children: Amanda (Steve) Forrester, Steve Hardley, Melanie (Jeff) Hamilton, Kathryn (Matt) Jones, and Rachel Hardley.

Besides being survived by her 5 children, Jill is survived by her grandchildren and great grandchildren: Tiffany (Isaiah) Kline, Jeremiah, Janaya, and Addalyn; Tabitha (John) McDaniel, Emmalee, Isabelle, Gavin, Weston, Owen, and RubyAnne; Ben Forrester and Julia; Hayley (Ben) Sharp, and Heidi Hamilton; Kameron, Ivy, and Lacey; Bria (Kyle Barnes), Rosemary, Dylan, Nolan and Layne. Jill is also survived by brother David (Jan) Francis, brothers-in-law Aaron (Barbara) Hardley and David (Judy) Prairie, sisters-in-law Dory Hardley, Vikki Hardley, Peggy (David) Schmidt, and Didi Hardley, along with a multitude of nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends.

Jill was preceded in death by her parents, her beloved sister, Dorothy Prairie, brothers-in-law Bob, Gary (and wife, Wilma), Ted, Ron, and Phil Hardley, sister-in-law, Janet Bullard, and grandson, Jonathan Forrester.

Jill was a longtime member of East Bay Calvary Church, where she and Mick married and attended faithfully until her health prevented it. She served at East Bay as Church Secretary, Sunday School teacher, Choir Member, Nursery Worker, and Women’s Christian Service Committee Member. She helped coordinate and cook numerous meals for the church and members in need. She spent hours on the phone calling and encouraging those she thought needed a friend. She truly loved her church community and enjoyed participating in the women’s ministry, Hearts for God.

In addition to using her secretarial skills, Jill had a gift for service to others. Jill worked as a homemaker, cherry picker/sorter, housekeeper/companion to the elderly, and childcare provider.

Jill was also gifted in hospitality. She loved making a warm and cozy home for her family and inviting others in as well. Her table was never too full to squeeze in another person and serve another full plate of something delicious. She had a way of disarming people with her sense of humor so they felt relaxed and at ease. Even in the memory care facility where she spent her last days, Jill’s dementia couldn’t keep her from befriending all the new residents. She wanted to help them feel at home and unafraid.

The family would like to give special thanks to the staff of Hospice of Michigan, especially April, and French Manor Green House Owners and Staff for all their love and care for our mom. A combined memorial service for Mick and Jill will be held at a later date. Memorials may be directed to Hospice of Michigan or French Manor Green House. Please visit www.lifestorytc.com to share your thoughts and more. Arrangements are being handled by Life Story Funeral home.