Mary Elizabeth ‘Beth’ Hardesty of Voluntown, CT died May 16, 2020. Beth was born in New Iberia, Louisiana, February 14, 1962, to Mary ‘Connie’ Hardesty and Michael A. Hardesty.
Beth will be sadly missed by her mother Mary C. Hardesty, brother Michael A. Hardesty, sister Casey Cyr Gash, niece Lucy Cyr, from Mystic, CT, and long-time partner and soulmate David Ahrens from Voluntown, CT and countless friends.
Beth is pre-deceased by her father Michael A. Hardesty.
Beth attended many schools, as her father, a Naval Aviator, was stationed in California, Texas, Italy, Virginia, and Groton, CT. Growing up Beth loved nature, books, music, and film. Beth graduated from Fitch Senior High in 1980. She became a Massage Therapist after graduating from the National Holistic institute in Emeryville CA.
Ever since Beth was a small child she loved and cared for animals, and she became a passionate animal right’s advocate. Beth worked as a Tour Manager for Greenpeace in California before returning to CT. Beth volunteered at Kitty Harbor Cat Sanctuary in Griswold, CT and Mitchell Farm Equine Retirement in Salem, CT. Beth and Dave had been building a Farmed Animal Rescue Sanctuary in Colorado, which he plans to continue.
Beth cherished her dogs Callie Girl and Beto, cats Scouty Scout (her favorite), Gabby and Dulcy, and Angel dogs Duchess, Mirabai, Talulah, Gracie, Sundance, and Angel cats Atticus, Punkin' Puss, Silver, Clyde, Christian, Jessie Jem, Dashel, Linus, Tigger, Cinderella and Gatina.
Beth is a sweet soul, loving daughter, sister, friend, partner and care-giver to people and animals. In lieu of flowers, it would honor Beth if you could adopt a rescue animal, or contribute your time or donations to an animal sanctuary. One of Beth’s favorites is The Gentle Barn, https://www.gentlebarn.org/donate/
The family will have a private service at The Dinoto Funeral Home, and a Celebration of Life at a later date.
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