Naomi "Nao" Hardy

Our Founder & Guiding Light:
Naomi Jean Hardy

July 3, 1945 ~ January 16, 2012

The Historical Society lost its founder and Redmond lost its most passionate citizen. Below are words written by Nao’s family, followed on other pages by reflections from board members and a proclamation issued by the City. 

Naomi “Nao” Hardy passed away on January 16th, 2012, after a short battle with lung cancer. Nao is survived by her husband of 45 years, Jerry, her children Natalie and Jeffrey, and her grandchildren Benjamin and Elizabeth.

Naomi was an accomplished writer. She published a mystery novel, wrote humorous editorials for several newspapers and had her poetry recognized in contests and magazines.

In 1999 she founded The Redmond Historical Society, and for more than a decade she worked tirelessly to preserve, document and share the history of Redmond. Since its inception, the organization has grown to become one of the largest and most active civic organizations in the city. Nao wrote the book “Redmond Reflections: From Settlers to Software.”

Nao will also be remembered for her wit, smarts, and collections. She collected rocks, bears, tins, green glass, hats and much more. She was an old soul who died too young.

Love you Mom ~ Natalie

Read Mayor John Marchione's Proclamation. Read More >>

The City Honors Naomi Hardy with This Proclamation

WHEREAS:

Naomi Hardy’s encyclopedic knowledge has been an invaluable resource for the City of Redmond and staff, as well as the general public;

Understanding the value of preserving a community’s heritage, Naomi Hardy has applied her endless enthusiasm, combined with a unique leadership style to give vision to the Redmond Historical Society;

Under Naomi’s continuing leadership, she has given the Community of Redmond a brilliant legacy;
With Naomi’s perseverance, she has shown us what the “Power Of One” can do;

Naomi Hardy’s passion for the history of our city and the countryside around us has been a priceless gift;

Naomi Hardy has given the community an incredible collection of documents and photos which we use daily;

Naomi Hardy has brought to light whole areas of our history that would have never been remembered;

The Redmond Historical Society and the City of Redmond owe Naomi Hardy our gratitude and remembrance; 

NOW, THEREFORE, I, JOHN MARCHIONE, Mayor of the City of Redmond, do hereby proclaim that the City of Redmond recognizes Naomi Hardy

for her immense contribution to discovering, recovering, preserving, sharing, and celebrating Redmond’s history, and for her support and assistance to this city through her work and dedication.

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The mission of the Redmond Historical Society is to educate, advocate, and serve the Redmond area by documenting, collecting, housing and displaying, the history of the people, places and events that illustrate the City’s heritage.  Redmond Historical Society is located in The Old Redmond Schoolhouse Community Center at 16600 NE 80th Street, Redmond, Washington 98052