Ann Marie Harnisch

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Ann Marie (Hardacre) Harnisch, age 94, of Newburyport, MA, formerly of Methuen and Amesbury, passed away peacefully at Port Healthcare Center in Newburyport on Sunday, September 20, 2020. Ann was born in Lawrence, MA, on November 7, 1925 to the late Henry V. Hardacre, Sr. and Gertrude (Hartung) Hardacre.

Raised and educated in Methuen, Ann was a stay-at-home mother and wife. She loved caring for their home and family on the farm they previously owned known as “Oak Hill Dairy.” She enjoyed all outdoor activities such as gardening, farming, and tending to her horses and flower gardens. Animals were ever present. Ann’s love extended to the many birds, sheep, cows, and goats over the years. The center of her life was her family; she was a true matriarch. Nothing gave her greater joy than cooking for family and friends, be it Saturday lunches, Sunday dinners, or holiday feasts. She thoroughly enjoyed that special time with her family. All who knew her were amazed by her boundless energy, innate work ethic, selfless love for others and genuine kindness to all. Her passing marks the loss of a woman who has seen the highs and lows of life learned through each experience and shown us all that what matters most is love and family. 

Ann was the embodiment of love and kindness and shared this with everyone privileged enough to know her. She exuded goodness and effortlessly made anyone in her presence know they were loved and special. This was her gift.

The family would like to thank the staff of Port Healthcare Center in Newburyport for the exceptional care they gave Ann.

In addition to her parents, Ann was predeceased by her two siblings, Henry Hardacre, Jr. and Theresa Lynch.

She is survived by her cherished daughter, Susan M. Mercier and her husband, Joel Richardson of Amesbury; adored granddaughter, Jennifer A. Mercier of Amesbury; and two nieces, Kathy Lynch and Mary Ellen Geraghty.

Due to the current Covid-19 health conditions and restrictions, the family respectfully requests that all attendees follow current Covid-19 guidance, including face coverings and social distancing.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend calling hours on Thursday, September 24, 2020, from 10:00-11:00 AM at Cataudella Funeral Home, 126 Pleasant Valley Street in Methuen with a funeral service at 11:00 AM in the funeral home chapel. Burial will follow at St. Mary-Immaculate Conception Cemetery in Lawrence.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Ann’s memory to MSPCA at Nevins Farm, 400 Broadway, Methuen, MA 01844.