Sally Ann Hardy, 69, of Willow Grove, PA, passed away on April 6, 2026, after a long and valiant battle against cancer.
She was born on December 20, 1956, to Nathan W. and Ellen (Brasted) Hardy of Almond, NY. Sally was a 1975 graduate of Alfred-Almond Central School, and after attending Onondaga Community College, she graduated from the University of Northern Colorado.
Sally had many interests and led an adventurous life. She was a talented musician and singer, eventually earning a master’s degree in Opera from Temple University. Under the banner of Sally Hardy Music Studio, she was a piano teacher beloved by her students. A longtime member of historic Christ Church in Old City Philadelphia, she was active in the life of the church, especially singing in the choir.
Additionally, she had been a personal trainer, working at local gyms, and for several years operated Top Dog Pet Services, through which she offered dog-walking and other pet care services. She cherished her long walks in Pennypack Environmental Center, with dog in tow. Sally was also an avid Philadelphia Phillies fan who watched as many games as possible, and then, after each one, would call her brother Bill and provide a blow-by-blow description of what happened.
Her care for the environment and for all living things was manifested by her support of many organizations that protect animals and the earth. She traveled to the Elephant Nature Park in Thailand and the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust in Kenya to observe elephants and assist with rescue efforts in those areas. She was an active supporter of Skydog Sanctuary for wild horses, while she herself worked on, and rode at, a horse farm near her home; she was even still able to mount up and ride, on her last visit to her native western New York.
Sally’s huge heart was demonstrated and her work ethic epitomized, in recent years, by the rescue of Bernie, a dog destined to be euthanized after suffering abuse. She brought him from a dog to be feared (by all but herself), to a gentle soul who is protective, yet accepting of other people.
In addition to her parents, Sally was predeceased by a sister, Janet. She is survived by one sister, Audrey (Bill) Lamprey of LaVerne, CA, and three brothers, Charles (Cathy) Hardy of Lawrenceville, NJ, Bill Hardy of Harrison, OH, and Dave (Teal) Hardy of Almond, in addition to numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins who were very dear to her, and she to them.
Interment will be at Hope Cemetery in Hornell, NY. A graveside service is planned for Friday, April 24, at 2:00 p.m. A memorial service will be held at a later date at Christ Church Philadelphia.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Sally’s memory to Skydog Sanctuary, Elephant Nature Park, Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, Christ Church Philadelphia, St. Thomas Episcopal Church-Whitemarsh, or any other appropriate charity of the donor’s choice.
Arrangements are with the H.P. Smith & Son Inc., Funeral Home in Canisteo and Woodhull NY.
