Margaret Ann (Bigger) Hardyman, age 86, of rural Darlington, WI, passed away Sunday, September 21, 2025, in Mineral Point, WI. She was born on January 12, 1939, in Mt. Horeb, WI, the daughter of Adolf and Lillian (Gruenenfelder) Bigger. Margaret grew up in the Darlington area and attended various grade schools in rural Lafayette County. She graduated high school in Darlington, WI in 1956. She was united in marriage to Lawrence Hardyman on June 30, 1956, at Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Darlington. Together, they farmed and raised their family and watched their grandchildren grow up on the farm.
Margaret is survived by her children: Bob (Melissa) Hardyman of Wilmington, NC, Rick (Becky) Hardyman of Darlington, Tim (Patty) Hardyman of Sun Prairie, WI, Kathy (Mark) Kuepers of Hazel Green, WI, Randy (Diane) Hardyman of Darlington, Patrick (Danielle) Hardyman of Darlington, and Jeff (Tawny) Hardyman of Darlington; 23 grandchildren; 35 great-grandchildren with 1 more on the way; her sisters: Lillian Douglas of Green Bay, Mary (Ervin) Hoeper of Florida, Rita (Paul) Cobb of Waunakee, JoAnne (Ron) Bradt of Waunakee, Wi.; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband Lawrence and her parents, great-granddaughters: Saylor Spalding and Elizabeth Hardyman; and her sister, Louise Bauer.
Margaret was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother whose life was defined by her deep love for her family. The proud mother of seven children, she dedicated herself to raising them with kindness, patience, discipline and unwavering care. Her home was always filled with the warmth of her cooking and the sweet aroma of her baking, which brought comfort to her children and joy to anyone who visited.
A talented seamstress and crocheter, she poured her creativity and love into every stitch, making clothes, afghans, and treasured keepsakes that will be cherished for generations. Above all, she loved nothing more than having her family close - sharing meals, stories, and laughter around the table.
Her legacy lives on in her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren, and all who were blessed to know her. She will be remembered for her gentle spirit, her nurturing heart, and the countless ways she made her family feel loved and cared for.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Tuesday, September 30, 2025, at 11:00 A.M. at Holy Rosary Catholic Church (104 E. Harriet St., Darlington) with Fr. William Vernon officiating. Burial will be in Holy Rosary Cemetery. A visitation will be held Monday, September 29, 2025, from 3:00 P.M. until 7:00 P.M. at Holy Rosary Catholic Church with a rosary being prayed at 2:30 P.M. and on Tuesday from 10:00 A.M. until 10:45 A.M. at the church. The Erickson Funeral Home in Darlington is serving the family. Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.ericksonfuneralhome.com.
In lieu of flowers a memorial fund has been established in Margaret’s name.
