Evalena M. Kemp Hardisty

Stanfordville-Evalena M. Kemp Hardisty, a longtime resident of Stanfordville, NY, passed away at the Sharon Health Care Center in Sharon, CT. She was 98.

She was born on June 5, 1914 in Pine Plains, NY, the daughter of George and Elva (Hicks) Thurst. Evalena worked for the Shirt Factory in Pine Plains, NY, at Daystrom Components, and in the cafeteria for the Cold Spring Elementary School.

On June 25, 1961 in Stanfordville, NY, she married Chester Hardisty. Mr. Hardisty predeceased her in 1994. Evalena was also predeceased by a husband Newton Kemp Sr. in 1958.

Mrs. Hardisty was a 80 year member of the United Church of Christ in Stanfordville. She was a member of the church's Women's Fellowship Group and was a past Treasurer. Evalena also served as a Deacon.

She was a member of the Stanford Grange #808 since 1947, and was a past Chaplain. Previously, she was a member of the Pomona Grange #32. She was also a Trustee for the Stanford Historical Society.

Evalena was known as the "Hat Lady of Stanfordville," and was a member of the Forever Young Senior's Club. Mrs. Hardisty was an avid baker and well known for her zucchini bread, and cherry and squash pies. Evalena is survived by a daughter, Kathleen Calabrese (Al) of Valatie, NY; a son, Newton Kemp (Roberta) of Stanfordville; a son in law, Robert Jones of Stanford; three step-sons, Raymond Hardisty, Gary Hardisty, John Hardisty and Gert Hardisty, her step-daughter-n-law; grandchildren, Michelle Holst-Grubbe (George), Adrienne D'Antonio (Lou), Dr. Sherri Orwitz (Peter), Daniele Calabrese, and Elena Calabrese; great grandchildren, Lisa Melich (Robert), Amy Keeler (Matt), and Alison Holst-Grubbe; and great great grandchildren, Matthew, Austin and Mattison.

She was the last of nine siblings, and was predeceased by a daughter, Arthena Jones, and a step-children, Betty Peck and Chester Hardisty.

Funeral services will be held at 11 AM at the United Church of Christ in Stanfordville, NY, with Pastor Rhoda Starzyk officiating. Interment will follow in the Stanford Cemetery. Friends are invited and may call from 4 to 8 PM on Friday, November 30, 2012 at the Peck and Peck Funeral Home, 7749 S. Main St., Pine Plains, NY.

Memorial Contributions are requested to the United Church of Christ, 5928 Route 82, Stanfordville, NY 12581, or the Stanford Grange #808, 6043 Route 82, Stanfordville, NY 12581. Arrangements are under the direction of the Peck and Peck Funeral Home, 7749 S. Main St., Pine Plains, NY 12567.

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