Lena Bogardus Lardner
June 2, 1843-May 2, 1918
Niles Daily Star (Niles, Michigan), Thursday, May 2, 1918, page 1, col. 2, microfilm Niles District Library.
MUCH BELOVED WOMAN PASSES AWAY THIS MORN
Niles mourns today the loss of one of her most beloved residents, Mrs. Lena Bogardus Lardner, widow of Mr. Henry Lardner, Sr., who died September 12, 1914.
Mrs. Lardner has been in failing health since Christmas, but her condition did not become alarming until Sunday, since which time she grew weaker, until the end came this morning about 7:30 o'clock.
Lena Bogardus Phillips was born in Catskill, N.Y., June 2, 1843, and come to Niles with her father, Rev. Joseph F. Phillips, who was rector of Trinity Episcopal church from 1858 until his death, 1867. His influence for good in the church and community was continued by his daughter, the memory of the work of both being a blessed benediction
. In 1861 Rev. Mr. Phillips officiated at the wedding of his daughter to Mr. Henry Lardner, founding a home which has been for over half a century all that the word implies—an abiding place of love, and unbounded hospitality. Nine children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Lardner, of whom the following six survive: William P. Lardner, Duluth, Minn; Henry Lardner, Jr., Miss Lena Lardner and Mrs. R.G. Tobin, Niles; Rex and Ring Lardner, Chicago. A niece, Madame Fernand Serre of Montpelier, France, and her children are the only other near relatives living.
Until recent years, when her health would not permit, Mrs. Lardner was a tireless worker in the church, being prominently connected with all its activities, her home being always open to its social gatherings, and meetings of its different organizations. Although unable to leave her home for many years she kept up her interest in the life of the city and continued to keep warm her great friendship for old and young alike. Niles will seem strange, indeed, without Mrs. Lardner, to whose home former residents coming back to Niles, always turned first of all.
Mrs. Lardner was a woman of rare literary ability. Many of her verses and stories appeared in print. A number were collected and published in two volumes. She was a member of the Woman's Press association of Michigan and also the Michigan Authors' club.
The community at large feels the loss of the lovable woman and sincere sympathy is extended to the family in the passing of the mother.
The funeral will be held at Trinity Episcopal church Saturday afternoon at 3 o'clock, Rev. Harold Holt officiating. Interment at Silver Brook cemetery.