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Jill Hardesty Obituary

Jill M. Hardesty

Jill Marvelle Hardesty, age 50, of Lawrence, Kansas, passed away peacefully at home, September 10, with family and friends by her side. Jill lived a long, well-lived life, filled with adventure and love.

Jill was born March 3, 1965, in Kansas City, Missouri, the daughter of Billy Sherwin Hardesty and Barbara Jean (Stagg) Hardesty. Jill lived in St. Charles, Missouri, Lake of the Ozarks, and Overland Park, Kansas, before moving to Lawrence to attend the University of Kansas. Jill's love of learning and interest in other cultures led her to study a variety of subjects and pursue two semesters of study abroad, in Rennes, France, and Utrecht, Netherlands. She graduated with distinction, earning a BS in Education, a BA in French, and MA in Art History; she was also a member of the Phi Beta Kappa national honor society.

Jill met her husband, Michael Shawn Cormack, while attending KU. After several years together, Jill and Mike were married in Florence, Italy, on May 22, 1991, followed by a month-long, adventurous honeymoon traveling through western Europe. Jill and Mike had two spectacularly wonderful daughters: Emily (Emma) Jill Cormack, age 23, and Anna Marvelle Cormack, age 20. Jill's love of beauty and wonder in the world, as well as a finely tuned appreciation of art in all its forms, influenced both daughters: Emma graduated with distinction from KU with a BA in Art History, and Anna is currently studying Industrial Design at the Cleveland Institute of Art. Both girls were the absolute joy and greatest love of Jill's life.

In 1989, Jill began working at the University of Kansas Paleontological Institute, ultimately rising to the position of Deputy Director and Assistant Editor of the Treatise on Invertebrate Paleontology. Jill also edited several other paleo-related publications, including serving as the managing editor of the journal PALAIOS from 2007–2013. Jill was a member of the Association of Earth Science Editors (AESE), serving on the board of directors from 2002–2004, and receiving the AESE Award for Outstanding Publication in 2008. Jill's work provided further opportunities to travel abroad to meet paleontologists from around the world. Jill's attention to detail, keen intellect, and friendly personality forged many friendships over the years, and her excellence as editor of the Treatise will serve as one of her lasting legacies.

Jill loved being outdoors and enjoyed walking, gardening, competing in 5K races with her family, running half marathons, practicing yoga, and cycling with Mike. Most of all, she loved spending as much time as possible with her family.

Jill knew how to enjoy life, both in large and small ways. Her naturally optimistic and compassionate personality was apparent to all who met her. She embodied a natural beauty and grace, a limitless sense of generosity, and a genuine kindness that endeared her to everyone she knew. These virtues served her well after her diagnosis of brain cancer.

Jill is survived by her father Billy and wife Sandy, Nokomis, Florida; her mother Barbara and husband Charlie Ward, Claycomo, Missouri; her sister Angela June Kuehn and husband Kevin, Garden City, Missouri; her brother William Teague Hardesty, Nokomis, Florida; and her husband Mike and daughters Emma and Anna, Lawrence, Kansas. A celebration of Jill's life will be held at a later date. It was Jill's wish that all of her family and friends continue to enjoy their lives to the fullest—and go out and play.

Please sign this guestbook at Obituaries.LJWorld.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Lawrence Journal-World on Sep. 16, 2015.

Memories and Condolences
for Jill Hardesty

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Bob Mathieu

September 10, 2024

Still remember.
Bob M

Julie & Dave Jackson

October 4, 2015

Jill was such a special person....she touched and warmed many lives.

Eileen Bay

September 22, 2015

Iam so sorry to hear of her death. Prayers to the family.

Carrie Lonsdale

September 21, 2015

I went to school with Jill ad I a sorry to hear of her passing, my thoughts are with her family.

September 21, 2015

Billy and Sandy,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you, we know she fought bravely against her disease, so sad to lose a child so young.

Jimand Julie Walker, Canada.

Bob Mathieu

September 20, 2015

MY thaughs and prayers to all of you. Take comfort in the pleasant memories and positive impact she had on all who knew her. My sincere condolences; Bob Mathieu, Nokomis

Tim Erickson

September 19, 2015

What a beautiful human being Jill was. It was - and remains - a gift to have known her and her family.

Brenda Sampson

September 19, 2015

Jill was such a kind, loving, and hope filled human being. And when faced with her illness, she continued to be a shining example of that to all of us. Such a well lived life, teaching by the way she walked through the world. I am grateful to have known her. Love to you.

Diane Lane

September 18, 2015

So sorry to hear about Jill's passing.

September 18, 2015

I got to know Jill when we worked together on the Pinckney yearbook. I must echo so many other people here - she was so gentle and good. Much love to all of her family. Her spirit lives on to continue making the world a kinder place.

Alain Deroulette

September 18, 2015

Condolences Amma , Anna , and Mike for your loss . Jill was a wanderful human being ! I have great memories of your mam and your famely ....Our hearts are will you !

Melonie Sullivan

September 18, 2015

I had the pleasure of making Jill's acquaintance through yoga class for many years. She gave me a copy of one of the books she edited (which I treasure!) Her light will shine on and on in the lives of the people she touched. My thoughts are with her precious family.

September 18, 2015

Our thoughts are with you. My wife Mary and I have fond memories of Jill's enthusiasm for her studies as an undergraduate at KU and her thoughtful contributions to our dialogues in the classroom. And later, when I happened by her office, I remember the lively sparkle in her eyes as she introduced me to the whole, fascinating world of crinoids. She beautifully touched so many of us.
Ted and Mary Johnson

Richie Backus

September 18, 2015

Mike, I'm so sorry. Jill was amazing. Kind, smart, loving, sincere, one of the most genuine people you'll ever have the good fortune to meet. You were lucky to have known and loved her. Love to you and the kids.

Nina Limesand

September 18, 2015

Emma, Anna,Mike
Words cannot express the sadness I feel for the loss of your gentle, kind Jill. Please know that we hold you dear in our hearts. Love.

September 17, 2015

We would like to express our deepest sympathy.
Sincerely, Bob & Lynn Basow

Deb Werts

September 17, 2015

I first met Jill when our children were classmates at Pinckney Elementary. I was deeply saddened to read the news of her passing. It brought to mind how I admired her gentle, kind ways and sweet smile. So very sorry for the family's loss.

September 17, 2015

My sympathy to the family on the loss of your daughter....may happy memories of her comfort you...Sincerely Jean Oakley Nokomis,Fl.

Marge Bayer

September 16, 2015

I am so sad to hear the news. Jill was terrific as girl scout leader when my daughter Nora was in girl scouts.

Cherrie Preut

September 16, 2015

I met Jill at KU in education classes. I am so sad to hear of her passing. My prayers and thoughts are with her family during this time of grief.

Jean and lee Ickes

September 16, 2015

Bill and Sandy
Our sincere sympathy to you and your family . Our prayers are with you and her family

Judy Gilman

September 16, 2015

What a beautiful tribute to Jill. I will always remember our times shared coordinating the volleyball team. What fun it was! I also remember her having such a kind, gentle heart and wonderful daughters. Her life was way too short, but her memory lives on.

Kirk Shaffer

September 16, 2015

Dear Mike, The internet can bring us marvelous things, but today it brought immense sadness with the news about Jill. I'm very sorry for your loss. I remember her quick and gentle smile...and I'm pretty sure she's the reason behind why you were such a great office mate. Again, my condolences.

Amanda Parker

September 16, 2015

"She embodied a natural beauty and grace, a limitless sense of generosity, and a genuine kindness that endeared her to everyone she knew". This sentence sums up Jill from the first time I met her and ever since. She will be so missed.

Cheryl Denton

September 16, 2015

I sorry for your loss. I was privileged to meet her this past year. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Tammy Galloway

September 16, 2015

Such a beautiful person. I was blessed to have Jill in my life. You will be missed by so many.

Randy Farr

September 16, 2015

I count myself lucky to have known this wonderful, wonderful lady. My condolences to all of her family and all those who loved her. She will be so greatly missed.

Fred and Joy Funk

September 16, 2015

So sorry to hear of your loss. Sending our thoughts and prayers to all. Fred and Joy Funk (KGC)

Susan McKenzie

September 16, 2015

Mike and Shirley, I am so sorry for your loss. I know how much you love Jill and will miss her. I had the honor of meeting Jill at the hospital when I was there with James. My prayers for your family knowing that Jill is no longer in pain, but also knowing that it doesn't really help your pain as you grieve. You must just try to remember the blessing that she was to you and the beautiful person that you were blessed to call daughter-in-law.

Beth Rundquist

September 16, 2015

Praying for you all.

Mary Rose

September 16, 2015

I'm so sorry for your loss. Jill was a beautiful part of my Lawrence life. I'll remember her graceful and balanced presence in the world. Her smile as infectious. My heart is heavy, but grateful she touched so many with so much joy.

Caryn Mirriam-Goldberg

September 16, 2015

I remember Jill's grace, warmth and sweetness from when we were in birthing class together at the birth center in Topeka (her for Anna, and me for Forest). It was a pleasure to have met Mike and Jill, and I send your whole family deepest wishes for comfort, strength, rest, and peace.

Vicki Douglas

September 16, 2015

Sincerest condolences to Jill's family. I was in graduate school in art history with Jill, and she was so bright and intelligent, her insight helped us all.

Anne Bracker

September 16, 2015

Today and always, may loving memories of Jill bring you peace, comfort, and strength.

Lesa Frantz

September 16, 2015

Jill touched many lives with her beauty and grace. She will always be in our hearts.

Alice Steuerwald

September 16, 2015

What a beautiful spirit. Her light will shine forever.

Don & Mary Lou Richmond

September 16, 2015

Dearest Billy, Sandy and family of Jill, we were so sorry to hear she passed away, but she does not have to suffer now and is in a better place. Our deepest sympathy to all of you, all our thoughts and prayers are with you

Gopi and Ankottha Sandal

September 16, 2015

We remember when we lived next door on Alabama Street and loved being near such a sweet family. Jill had an elegant and warm heart that taught us how to live right.
I know she's continuing somewhere even though we can't see her.
Much Love to Mike, Emma, and Anna

KAE & LOWELL HARDESTY

September 16, 2015

WE WILL MISS JILL'S SMILE AND GREAT ATTITUDE, SHE WAS A VERY SPECIAL NIECE. OUR LOVE TO MIKE, EMMA AND ANNA.

Kim Marney Davis

September 16, 2015

May God's love surround you and yours, give you comfort, and grant you peace.

Suzi Cady

September 16, 2015

I'm so sorry for your family's loss. You added so much to our world, through your love of life and knowledge. May God bless all.

September 16, 2015

I am so very sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Marsha Adams

September 16, 2015

Jill will always hold a beautiful place in my heart! We shared so many fun times growing up! Summers were so much fun for Angie liz jill and I as we spent time at the lake and begged to go to each others houses for the week. We also enjoyed many Sundays at grandma and grandpa Hardesty 's house. So many memories with the cousins! LOVE
you Jill! I will see you again in heaven!

Debra Nelson

September 16, 2015

Jill and her family contributed much time and attention to Pinckney Elementary School. Emma and Anna were exceptional art students! It was a joy to have such a vital family volunteering for events at the school.

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