Passing of Mona Hardy

We send our deepest condolences to Mona Hardy’s family, friends, her community of Rocky Bay First Nation, and all those affected by this loss as our dear friend makes her way to the Spirit World.

Mona’s intelligence, respect, sincerity, humour and empathy made her a key figure within the community, and her life experience allowed her to engage with people in meaningful ways.

As a long-serving volunteer, Mona dedicated over 10 years of her life to the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre (TBRHSC) and Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Foundation (TBRHSF). Her exemplary dedication displayed the essential role volunteers fulfill to help ensure patients have the best experience possible. Mona advocated for a strengthened relationship between patients and professional staff by providing input on policies and processes.

Mona was one of the first Patient Family Advisor volunteers at TBRHSC. Mona’s insight, openness and empathy have made her very well respected and sought out in her role as a Patient Family Advisor. In this role, she sat on the Indigenous Advisory and PRIDE committees. As a strong advocate for the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, she brought light to issues and gave a voice to the transgender community, not only at the Hospital but also throughout Thunder Bay.

Mona spent quality time with patients who were undergoing renal dialysis, becoming a mentor to patients and their families. This connection allowed her to help patients learn how to live and self-manage their lives on dialysis. To brighten the spirit of renal patients, she would host BINGO and organize an annual Mother’s Day Tea Party for Renal patients and staff, which always brought a smile to patients.

Additionally, as a dedicated volunteer at the TBRHSF, Mona has inspired the community to donate to the Foundation. She would often be in the main hallway, selling tickets for Foundation draws and interacting with patients and visitors, bringing joy to all through each interaction.

In 2021, Mona was recognized for her outstanding contributions to volunteering and was awarded the Sovereign’s Medal for Volunteers. This prestigious award is the highest honour for volunteer service that an individual can receive within the Canadian Honours System.

Everyone she knew was touched deeply by the incredible qualities that Mona possessed. Her heart was full of love, kindness, and compassion. Mona’s positive outlook on life was contagious, and she always went beyond to help others. Her generosity knew no bounds, and she will be remembered for what it means to be a truly caring person.

The flags at the Hospital will be lowered to half-mast on Friday, February 16, in honour of Mona.