Mary Lue Hardey Shanley

Mary Lue Shanley Hardey was called to be with our Lord on September 22, 2024 in Auburn, California. She is survived by her sister (Ann Fain Shanley) or "Auntie Mike," sister Dorothy Renfree Shanley (deceased), her son James A. Hardey, daughter Dee Anne Hardey Holloway and husband Geoff Holloway, her grandchildren Jacob Hardey, Daniel, and Nichole D'Ottavio, Allison Hardey Nilsson, Spencer Hardey, Natalie and Nicholas Linthicum, Shane Hardey (deceased in 2021), and Chelcie Bullen. Her son Steven Hardey had predeceased her in September 1991. She presently has 14 great grandchildren. Mary Lue was born in Auburn and grew up in the foothills of Auburn. She graduated from Placer High School in 1947 and was a class officer who assisted with several class reunions over the years (decades). Mary Lue worked at the Newcastle Fruit Sheds to raise money for college. She was unanimously chosen as an Auburn Ski Club Queen in 1947 who competed with other ladies from other leading ski clubs in the state. She completed her Bachelor of Arts Degree at College of the Pacific majoring in Physical Education. She served as President of her sorority (Alpa Theta Tau) at Pacific. She earned a President's Scholarship in 1950-1951, and participated in the 1947 edition of the Aquacade, and held a part in the Orchesis Recital in 1948. At Pacific she met and married Donald A. Hardey on January 21, 1951. Don Hardey was a distinguished Pacific (hall of fame) fullback and outstanding member of the track team. Mary Lue was an elementary school teacher at Ophir Elementary School from 1962 to 1989, who would literally take work home each night, planning lessons for her students. The latter teaching years were her favorite, teaching kindergarten students with her theme of Kuai Hawaii, after taking an educational vacation there in 1987. Mary Lue was also dedicated to her family, sisters, nieces, nephews, cousins, grandchildren and great grandchildren. She loved sports and was very athletic, serving as a Senior Instructor American National Red Cross in 1959-1960 in Tulsa Oklahoma. She attended most of her kids and grandchildren sports activities. She had a passion for her family and family reunions. She had the gift making all of us feel special and loved. She enjoyed the summer months cooking for her family, gardening, watching Little League/Babe Ruth games, and synchronized swimming at the Auburn Recreation Park. Mary Lue, Mom, Grandma will be greatly missed. Services to be held October 28, 2023 at the New Auburn Cemetery at 1040 Collins Drive at 10 am with a reception to follow immediately after at the Moonraker Brewing Company at 12970 Earhart Avenue.