PAULINE M. (HARDY) OLIVAPauline Manley Oliva (Hardy) was born on June 20, 1935 to Leland and Ida Manley and was raised on a dairy farm in Westford, Vermont with her twin brother, Philip, and older brother, Ira. During her high school years at Bellows Free Academy in Fairfax, VT, Polly was very involved in activities, as the drum majorette, a member of the women's basketball and softball teams and the Glee Club. Her senior year, she was awarded the superlative of "Best Dancer" and "Most Athletic" in her graduating class of 18 students. Polly met her first husband, Rodney D. Hardy, in high school, and they married at Westford Congregational Church in 1956. The young couple moved to Springfield, Virginia for Rodney's job at Fort Belvoir with the Army Corp. of Engineers, and Polly worked as a medical secretary at a local hospital. They were blessed with their first child, Pamela Ann, on December 23, 1960, and a bouncing baby boy, James Rodney, almost 9 years later on December 22, 1969. In 1976, Polly's husband, Rodney, passed away after battling cancer for several years, so Polly continued to raise their children with the support of family and friends. Neighbors at her home in Orange Hunt were a constant source of encouragement and lifelong love, while the faith community at Messiah United Methodist Church was always supportive. She found love again, and in 1978, married Orazio Roger Oliva. Their blended family included Polly's children, Pam and Jim Hardy, and Roger's sons, Roger and Philip Oliva. Polly enjoyed flower gardening, the beach, knitting, bowling and bridge group, but most of all, she took an interest in other people, always striving to be the perfect hostess to all. She watched her children get married, and was thrilled to become a grandmother! She and Roger welcomed 8 grandchildren into the world. They also traveled to Italy, Ohio, Florida, California, Vermont and North Carolina to visit family and friends. In 2007, Polly lost her second husband, Roger, to cancer. Her quiet strength carried her through again as well as the support of lifelong friends. She left her home of 48 years on Fox Ridge Rd. in 2012, to move in with her son, Jim, and his wife, Kathy, enjoying that fun time spent with her grandchildren. A year later, with declining health concerns from Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP), she moved to Covenant Woods in Mechanicsville, Virginia to be near her daughter, Pam, and her husband, Hank. In her time there, Polly was well loved by the other residents and staff, participating in activities, including a fashion show. She was known for her friendly wave, sweet nature and infectious smile. She peacefully passed on January 22, 2015 at Autumn Care of Mechanicsville surrounded by loved ones. Polly touched many lives and will forever be remembered by family and friends for her kind and loving nature, unselfish generosity, and sense of humor throughout her life. Polly was preceded in death by her first husband, Rodney Hardy, and second husband, Roger Oliva, her brothers, Ira and Philip Manley, and stepson, Philip Oliva. Surviving to celebrate her life are daughter, Pamela Hardy Heermann (Hank), son, James Rodney Hardy (Kathy), and stepson, Roger Oliva; her grandchildren, Blake Pauline King (Turner), Morgan and Conner Heermann, Clay, Cameron and Conner Marie Hardy and Michael and Alex Oliva along with many other family members and lifelong friends. Visitation hours will be held from 6-8pm on Friday, January 30th at Messiah United Methodist Church, 6215 Rolling Rd, Springfield, Virginia. A "Celebration of Life" service will be held at 10am on Saturday, January 31st at Messiah United Methodist Church followed by a reception in the Fellowship Hall. A private family burial will take place at Fairfax Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the American Cancer Society or At Home Care Hospice, 4118 Fitzhugh Ave, Richmond, VA. 23230. - See more at: http://www.fairfaxmemorialfuneralhome.com/obituary/Pauline-Manley-Oliva-Hardy/Springfield-VA/1475227#sthash.RGEL2teA.dpuf
