Hardin, Alice

Alice C. Hardin, Born May 21, 1923 in Sonora, California (life long resident) passed away Friday, September 3, 2021 at her residence in Sonora, California. The day after the September 7th Services (information below) A Mass of Christian Burial will be said on Wednesday at 10 AM at the Historic St. Anne’s Catholic Church, 22518 Church Lane in Columbia, California with burial in St. Patrick’s Catholic Cemetery, Lyons-Bald Mountain Road in Sonora,  California. Terzich & Wilson Funeral Home entrusted with Funeral arrangements

Alice Hardin, native daughter of Sonora and Tuolumne County, passed away peacefully at her home on Friday, September 3, 2021, surrounded by her family. She was predeceased by her husband of sixty- five years, attorney and Superior Court Judge, James Rowan Hardin (deceased March, 2010).

Alice was the mother of eight children; Jeanette Hardin Thorup, Ariane Hardin Matschullat, Susanne Hardin (deceased 1966), Rowena Hardin Garon, Debra Hardin, Corinne Hardin Larson, James T. Hardin, and Jon R. Hardin. Alice delighted in her twelve grandchildren, three great-grandchildren and numerous nephews, and nieces. Additionally, she is survived by her lifelong cousin and best friend, Lorraine Giussi Poag.

Born in 1923 in her Sonora family home, Alice was the daughter of Louis (Swiss) Foletti, a stone mason from Switzerland, and Angelina Giussi Foletti, born in Sonora and proprietor of her own mercantile store on Washington Street. She was predeceased by her brothers, Pietro and Eugene Foletti, and her sister, Maedine Foletti Turner.

Alice and James had been classmates since First Grade at Sonora Elementary School. Alice served as class secretary and James as president in their Senior year at Sonora High School. This was the beginning of a lifelong collaboration! They married in Corpus Christi, Texas while James was serving as a Navy Fighter Pilot during WWII. After the war, they made their first home in Santa Clara, California while James completed law school. They returned to Sonora in 1947 where James continued his late father’s law practice.

Alice was devoted to her beloved home community. She was an active member of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church and a great supporter of the preservation of the Gold Rush Church, St Anne’s in Columbia. Additionally, Alice was instrumental in the improvement and maintenance of St. Patrick’s Catholic Cemetery. She was a member of the church Altar Society and YLI. Also, she was a long-time member of Omega Nu and the Italian Club, Fig Ii d’ltalia where she enjoyed socializing at many of their dinners at the Elks Club.

Alice was passionate about the Sierra Mountains, spending summers at the family cabin in the Dardenelles since 1927. There you could find her playing solitaire at the table under the trees, playing Pedro card games with the family or hunting mushrooms, a particular activity which always brought her so much joy.

In keeping with her lifelong commitment to family and the community she loved, the family has
requested in lieu of flowers, that donations be made to St. Patrick’s Church and/or St. Anne’s.

 

• Date of Death: 09/03/2021
• Age: 98
• Residence: Sonora, CA
• Services: Tuesday, September 7th - Visitation from 4 to 6 PM with a vigil at 6 PM at Terzich & Wilson Funeral Home, 225 E. Rose at Lyons Street, Sonora, California.