Obituary – Doreen Frances Hardy
September 17, 1937 – November 7, 2026
Born in Everett, MA to Ethel Bresseau and Francis Patrick Hardy. Doreen had three siblings: her twin, Connie, her brother Brian (Buddy) and her sister Mary Jane Hardy Acres.
Doreen entered the Little Sisters of the Assumption in 1956 in Haverford, PA and the religious name of Sr. M. Rita Cecilia of Jesus. In 1965 she made her perpetual vows in Paris, France. She served in Charlotte, NC; Worcester, Lynn and Dorchester, MA; Philadelphia, PA; numerous years in New York in Walden and East Harlem.
After 35 years, Doreen felt called to leave the community of the Little Sisters of the Assumption in 1991. She carried the heart of our mission to new walks of life with her degrees in Nursing and Social Work. Doreen touched many lives through her counseling work at UMASS and Worcester Pastoral Counseling Center until her retirement.
Over the years Doreen enjoyed as much time as she could with her sisters Connie and MaryJane. She shared her love of the beach and many adventures with her close friend Marion and her family.
In 2018 after a challenging year of declining health, Doreen took up the offer by the Little Sisters of the Assumption to manage her health care at Alliance at Marie Esther Health Center where she joined several other Little Sisters.
Doreen had an infectious laugh, enjoyed visitors and lovingly shared her hobby of coloring with so many who crossed her path at the nursing home.
Doreen was predeceased by her parents Ethel (Brosseau) and Francis Hardy, her brother Brian Hardy, Sisters MaryJane Hardy Acres, and her twin Connie Hardy.
She is survived by: Nieces: Patricia Foley, Barbara Acres, Doris Wagner, Judy Brown and Nephews Michael Acres, William Acres. Grand nieces and nephews: Melissa Alva, Crystal Foley and Thomas Foley.
A Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Friday, November 13 at 10:30 AM in the Chapel of Alliance Health at Marie Esther, 720 Boston Post Road E., Marlborough, MA with a visitation beginning at 9:30. Burial will take place in Holy Cross Cemetery, Malden, MA following the funeral mass.
Donations in memory of Doreen can be made to the Little Sisters of the Assumption, 137 Endicott St, Worcester, MA 01610
Marchand memorial Homes, Alfred Roy & Sons -Henry Funeral Service Memorial Chapel 33 Ward St. Worcester is directing arrangements. To share a memory or to sign the online guestbook, please visit www.MarchandMemorialHomes.com