CENTRALIA — Mandi Hardy, 42, of Centralia, passed away Saturday, January 13, 2024 at her home surrounded by her loving family.
Mandi was born July 19, 1981 in Centralia, the daughter of Perri DeBernardi and Tammy (Peoples) Neu. She married Joseph “Joe” Hardy on August 2, 2020 in Centralia and he survives her in Centralia.
In addition to her husband Joe, she is survived by her mother: Tammy Neu of Centralia; father and stepmother: Perri DeBernardi and wife Pam of Centralia; step father: Rick Neu and wife Sheila of Centralia; a daughter: Amelia Pracht of Centralia; three sons: Spencer Hardy of Centralia, Jake and Gage Hardy of Centralia; paternal grandparents: Bob DeBernardi and wife Toni of Centralia; two brothers: Jake Neu and wife Tiffany of Centralia, and Brian Simpson and wife Lauren of College Grove, TN; three sisters: Michaela Neu of Centralia, Maitlyn Marcketti and husband Dillon of Hawaii, and Lori Basola and husband Keith of Springhill, TN; step brothers: Drew Vollmer of Hoffman and Blake Vollmer of Centralia; father and mother-in-law: Steve and Mary Jane Hardy of Walnut Hill; two sisters-in-law: Stephanie Waggoner and husband Chuck of Centralia and Stacie Wampler and husband Scott of Centralia; many nieces and nephews with one on the way, and many aunts, uncles, and special friends.
Mandi was preceded in death by her maternal grandmother: Jessie Peoples; two aunts: Brenda Lance and Bethe Collins; great aunt: Cathrine Darin; step grandparents: John and Frances Mount.
Mandi started her working career at Bob’s Engine Hospital in Centralia with her father and grandfather. She then worked for the Blue Goose and later worked at Corner Cafe in Centralia where she welcomed everyone with a smile and a kind word. Later, she worked for The Rail as a Barista before she decided to work in Education. She received her Bachelor’s degree in Education, where she subbed at various schools, and became the Pre-K Teacher at St. Mary’s Catholic School in Centralia. She loved working with children, that is where her true passion showed. She had a love for Disney World, especially Epcot. She was known as a Gypsy Hippy having her own style and ways of doing everything. She was a free spirit, had an infectious smile, and loved life to the fullest. She loved going on spontaneous trips with her “Marco Polo girls” and cherished her time she spent with her children and family. Mandi will be remembered for her love of life and that SMILE.
A Mass of Christian burial will be held at 2:00 pm on Saturday, January 20, 2024 at St. Mary’s School Gymnasium with Monsignor David Darin officiating.
A visitation for family and friends will be held from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm on Saturday, January 20, 2024 at St. Mary’s School Gymnasium. In memory of Mandi, memorial donations may be made in honor of her children with checks payable to Perri DeBernardi and will be accepted by the Sutherland-Garnier Funeral Home at 235 North Sycamore Street in Centralia, Illinois 62801 (618) 532-3523, who is honored to be of service to the Hardy family.
Online condolences may be made to the family by visiting sutherlandfuneralhome.com or the Funeral Home’s Facebook page.