Obituary of Norma Eileen Newsome MacHardy

Norma Eileen Newsome MacHardy of Kernersville passed away peacefully on Saturday, January 16, 2021. She was 87.

Eileen is survived by her son, Earle MacHardy, Jr. of Durham and family; and by her stepson, Scott MacHardy and family of El Prado, New Mexico. She is predeceased by her husband, Earle Trounson MacHardy, Sr.; brother, Donald Newsome; and by her stepson, Alan MacHardy. She is also survived by her dear friends of the last 24 years, Jean and Edwin Ford of Kernersville.

Eileen was born on April 1, 1933 to India and Fred Newsome in Winston Salem and later moved to Danbury, attending school in Danbury and Walnut Cove. She attended the Women’s College at the University of North Carolina in Greensboro. While a junior, she worked during the summer at the Whalehead Beach Club in Currituck and met the love of her life, Earle MacHardy, a widower from New York. After a short long-distance relationship, they were married. Eileen joined “Mac” in Dobbs Ferry, New York and became stepmother to Alan and Scott.

She gave birth to son, Earle, Jr. in 1958, and shortly thereafter moved to Hastings-on-Hudson, New York. During this time, Eileen was passionate about fashion, taking classes, sewing, and teaching others how to tailor their clothes, even publishing in Women’s Wear Daily. She joined Mac in the international travel required for his positions for Corn Products and later with the New York Coffee and Sugar Exchange and saw much of the world.

After Mac’s retirement, the couple moved back to Kernersville, North Carolina. At this time, she worked 17 years in retail fashion. She enjoyed trips to the beach, fine dining, and entertaining. Elegant clothes and tasteful ensembles were her trademarks.

In her later years, she especially enjoyed weekly visits with her son and time spent with her friends, the Fords. She was proud that she was able to live an independent life. She will be missed for her care and concern for others and her sharp wit.

Due to COVID19 a Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Gifts in her memory may be made to First Presbyterian Church, 611 Oakhurst Street, Kernersville, NC 27284.

Friends and family may view, and sign the guestbook at www.Pierce-JeffersonFuneralService.com