Sara "Sally" F. Hardon

Sara “Sally” Flannery Hardon of Fox Chapel died peacefully, surrounded by her family, on Sunday September 1, 2024, at the age of 86. She was predeceased by her beloved husband of 63 years, Clayton T. Hardon and her brother, Thomas Flannery (Stephanie). She is survived by her brother Roger Flannery (Lauren), her son Clay Hardon Jr. (Claire), daughter Meg Hardon, daughter Kelly O’Leary (Frank), son Chris Hardon (Shonali), son Tony Hardon (Michele), daughter Sara Aros (Steven); grandchildren Tom (Donna), Michael (Ida†), Kelley (Ryan), William, Margot, Jack, Callie, and Addie; great-grandchildren Tommy and Rylee; nieces and nephews Bill, Erin, Jason, Meredith, and Tommy. Raised in Squirrel Hill and Fox Chapel by her parents J. Rogers Flannery Jr.  and Sara Kelly Flannery, she was a lifelong and enthusiastic member of the Pittsburgh community. Sally was an accomplished artist and received a BA in Studio Art from Connecticut College after graduating from The Ellis School. Her artwork, including abstract woodcut and silkscreen prints, has been exhibited in the juried exhibition of the Three Rivers Arts Festival. While raising her six children, Sally volunteered her creativity by spearheading projects that enriched the cultural life of Pittsburgh: First Stage Performing Arts for Children, Pittsburgh Public Theater, the Junior League, among others. Her entrepreneurial spirit came through when she started Sally Baskets, a personalized gift basket business. She found her true calling as a fundraising executive at The Arthritis Foundation, The Pittsburgh Symphony, and The Mercy Hospital Foundation where she retired as a Senior Vice President. Among her most significant professional accomplishments was collaborating with two Mercy Hospital doctors and the Three Rivers Rowing Association to create the Head of the Ohio (HOTO). HOTO became a world-class rowing regatta under Sally’s leadership, drawing rowing teams and spectators from around the globe to Pittsburgh’s three rivers while benefiting Mercy’s burn unit with funding and recognition. It was in Sally’s nature to celebrate the good in others and so relished the honor of being a judge for the Jefferson Awards which recognizes extraordinary acts of public service by ordinary people in the community. In retirement, Sally rented an art studio in Etna to begin painting again. She created many works of art that are beloved and exhibited in the homes of friends and family. In her personal and professional life, Sally was best known for her unpretentious and joyful drive to make others feel welcome and loved. No accomplishment or milestone of family or friends was too small to get Sally planning a sumptuous celebration at one of her two favorite venues: the Pittsburgh Field Club or her home in Fox Chapel.  Sally was well-traveled and loved to read.  Her effortless generosity, kind heart, and absolute belief in the goodness of people will be missed dearly.

Friends will be received on Thursday, September 12, 2024, from 2:00 to 6:00 p.m. at John A. Freyvogel Sons, Inc., (freyvogelfuneralhome.com) 4900 Centre Avenue at Devonshire Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15213.  Funeral Friday September 13, 2024, Mass of Christian Burial, St Scholastica Church, 309 Brilliant Avenue, Aspinwall, PA 15215 at 10a.m.

In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made in Memory of Sally Hardon to either Pittsburgh Mercy, Development Office, 1200 Reedsdale Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15233 or Three Rivers Rowing Association, 300 Waterfront Drive, Pittsburgh, PA 15222. Please note “In Memory of Sally Hardon” in the memo section of your check.

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