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Mary Jones
Hollie McNeely
Ella Mae was such a joy to have with our zoom bible study called The Joy Walkers. We will miss her quick wit, that beautiful smile and all her contributions Until we see each other again Ella Mae enjoy your new heavenly healed body.
Joni Reid
Mary Lou, I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your mother. Loosing a loved one, is never easy. You were truly blessed to have her for so long. Thoughts and prayers are with you. May her memory be eternal.
Ella Mae Hardenstine
2025-03-06
Ella Mae Hardenstine, 97, PA, passed away at Warner Hospice Center in Fernandina Beach, FL on March 5, 2025. Born on July 16, 1927, in Stroudsburg, PA to the late Lula and Albert Dildine.
In 1947 she married Edward Hardenstine, a year later the couple welcomed a daughter, Mary Lou (Tompkins), followed 9 years later by Gerry Ann (Wyllie).
Ella Mae graduated from Stroudsburg High School and pursued a career in industry. She was employed by Bear Automotive until retiring, entering her second and most enjoyable career as a Macy’s Fragrance Model, alongside daughter Gerry Ann.
Ella Mae, a part of the “The Greatest Generation” shared stories of times during the depression. Her stories always included family times together, canning cherries for cherry pies, family picnics and waiting all year for that one box of chocolates at Christmas.
After cherishing her life in Stroudsburg, in 2020 she relocated to her “home” in Fernandina Beach with daughter Mary Lou. Many on the island are familiar with her decadent chocolates, beautifully woven baskets, stained glass, ceramics and perfume minis.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Ed Hardenstine, her daughter, Gerry Ann Wyllie, her two son-in-laws, Bob Tompkins and Dave Wyllie, and granddaughter, Katy Tompkins LeClair.
Ella Mae survived by and will be keenly missed by loving daughter, Mary Lou Tompkins of Fernandina Beach; devoted grandson, David Wyllie of Fernandina Beach; beloved grandson, Ryan Tompkins of Fernandina Beach; cherished great granddaughters, Jocelyn and Haley Bryan Wyllie of Quakertown, PA; cherished great grandsons, Connor LeClair and Jax Tompkins of Fernandina Beach. In addition, Ella Mae is survived by many nieces and nephews and circle of friends that she loved well and welcomed “home”. A woman well-loved is a light even through the darkness. Mom, Nana, Great Nana, G Nana, Aunt Ella Mae and Ella Mae- you are our light through the darkness.
Celebration of life will be at 2:00 on March 22, 2025 at First Presbyterian Church, Fernandina Beach, FL.
She will be laid to rest in Stroudsburg Cemetery, in Stroudsburg, PA at a later date.
Donations may be made in her memory to Nassau Human Society or AWSOM Animal Shelter in Stroudsburg, PA.
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