Two Westbury residents were among 19 Town of North Hempstead women recognized recently as May W. Newburger Women’s Roll of Honor honorees. This prestigious award is given to women in the Town of North Hempstead in recognition of their work in the community. This year, Betty Hardy and Rose Ryan were given the award.
Hardy was nominated by Councilwoman Viviana Russell, who said she nominated Hardy because she has been a vibrant part of the Westbury community and is always willing to help those in need.
“Betty is a women who extends a helping hand to the less fortunate and opens her arms to the needy,” Russell said. “Her doors are always open. Food and shelter are a person’s most basic needs and Betty makes sure that whoever she comes in contact with are provided with both.”
“She is a person that does many things behind the scenes that makes life a little more tolerable for people that would be destitute or lost without her. Her acts of kindness go much beyond material comfort but are a lifeline for so many,” Russell continued. “Our children, families, schools and community at large are better having known Betty Hardy.”
Hardy was thankful and surprised to be given the award.
“It’s a blessing to me. I didn’t think people were concerned,” Hardy said with a laugh. “To think people care for you is a blessing. I feel good about it.”
Hardy was born in Birmingham, AL in 1938. She is the third oldest child of 12 siblings and was always determined to succeed in life. She moved to Westbury in 1956, where she met her husband James. She is the proud owner of Betty’s Daycare in Westbury, a small business she opened after retiring from the industrial business. Hardy is also a member and consecrated deaconess of the First Baptist Cathedral of Westbury, as well as an active community member who always want to help others.
“That’s what I love doing,” Hardy said. “That’s what I’ve been doing my whole life. That’s my thing, if I can help somebody then my living won’t be in vain. This is what I love to do.”
Rose Ryan was born June 1953 in Plainview and is a retired nurse from St. Francis Hospital in Roslyn. She has been married to her husband Thomas J. Ryan for 18 years and the couple live in Westbury.
Ryan is a passionate advocate for special education. She also volunteered at the North Shore Child and Guidance’s Grandma Program. Currently, Ryan helps raise her 14-year-old grandson, is a block captain, member of the Carle Place American Legion Post 171, vice president of the Dryden Street PTA, vice president of Westbury SETPA, and a member of the Carle Place senior citizens.
Hardy and Ryan were recognized Thursday, March 26 at a Women’s Roll of Honor breakfast held at the Clubhouse at Harbor Links in Port Washington. Since 1994, North Hempstead has held the Women’s Roll of Honor breakfast to honor women who have made a contribution to their community, or have accomplished a significant achievement through public or private efforts.
