Obituary of Erva MacHardy

September 24, 1926 – December 30, 2023

It is with both a heavy heart and a collection of fond memories that we share the news of Erva MacHardy's peaceful passing at the Arnprior and District Memorial Hospital on the evening of Saturday, December 30, 2023, surrounded by her beloved family. At the remarkable age of 97, Erva, our beloved prayer-warrior and perpetual support, has embarked into the arms of Jesus for her final, well-deserved rest. Beloved mother of Joy Priaulx (David) of Greely and Sherry Milnes (Rob) of Ashton. Cherished Nanny of Shane Priaulx (Valoree), Taira Clark (Scott), and Josiah Milnes and to her great-grandchildren Cole, Clark, Dany, Russell, and Ryan. Erva was the daughter of the late Roy and Lillian (Thoms) Gourlay. She is predeceased by her sisters Viola Munro (late John), Goldie Greene, Marion Cavanagh (late John), and brother Willis Gourlay (late Doris). Affectionately remembered by many nieces and nephews. For an impressive 58 years, Erva donned the hat of an Avon representative, sprinkling her community with grace and beauty, and braving all kinds of road and weather conditions in her classic Volkswagen Bug. Erva valued and thanked God for all the joys of life, especially her deeply cherished family and friends- who were constantly blessed by her delicious baking and cooking. The family wish to extend deepest thanks to the Doctors and Nurses at the Arnprior Hospital for their wonderful care and to those staff at the Grove Nursing Home who cared for Erva. Friends and family are invited to pay their respects and share in the celebration of Erva's remarkable life at the Boyce Funeral Home Ltd., 138 Daniel Street N., Arnprior. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, January 9, 2023, from 10:00 a.m. until 12:45 p.m., followed by a funeral service at 1:00 p.m. in the Boyce Chapel. Interment at Arnprior Albert Street Cemetery. The family kindly requests that donations be made in Erva's memory to the Bethesda Renewal Centre, Ashton. Contributions can be made via e-transfer to bethesda.renewal@gmail.com, a cause close to her heart.

Erva, with her vibrantly caring personality, wouldn't want too many tears (though in the spirit of her unmatched hospitality, plenty of tissues will be available), and would welcome heartfelt smiles and perhaps a chuckle or two as we remember the life she lived so fully.