Teresa Yvonne Hardrick

Teresa Yvonne Hardrick, a devoted mother, astute professional, and vibrant spirit, passed away peacefully on September 8, 2026, at the age of 83, following a courageous journey with dementia.

Born in Louisville, Kentucky in 1943, Teresa carried an early ambition and curiosity that stretched far beyond her hometown. Guided by a desire to experience life in a bustling metropolis, she made the bold move to the nation’s capital as a young woman. Even as Washington, D.C. became the backdrop for her career and family, she never lost an appreciation of her deep roots. She maintained an enduringly warm affection for Louisville, returning home faithfully throughout her life to visit beloved family and to celebrate the excitement of the Kentucky Derby.

It was in the D.C. area that she met the love of her life, Curtis Hardrick. Together, they settled in the neighboring suburb of Silver Spring, Maryland. In that house, they built a warm, energetic household and raised their two sons, Curtis and Duriel. She and Curtis Sr. poured boundless energy into guiding, supporting, and encouraging them as they matured into adulthood.

Throughout her career, Teresa served with dedication in the federal government, taking quiet pride in her public service. Alongside her civil service career, she possessed a forward-thinking business sense and desire to build additional income streams. She and her husband invested in local real estate and took an active, hands-on role managing rental properties, where she demonstrated her tenacity, fairness, and work ethic.

Outside of work, Teresa was deeply connected to beauty, rhythm, and expression. She kept her home constantly filled with the rich, soulful sounds of Motown and other R&B artists, which served as the soundtrack to family life and quiet days. She held a profound love for African American art, becoming an enthusiastic collector of paintings and sculptures. She took great joy in curating works that celebrated Black culture, heritage, and creativity, surrounding her family with pieces that told a powerful story.

Though dementia gradually dimmed her memories in her later years, it never eclipsed her warmth, gentle spirit, or the abiding love she held for life.

She is survived by her two sons, Curtis and Duriel; her three grandchildren, Noah, Maximus, and Jacob; many nieces and nephews; and dear friends.

A celebration of Teresa’s life will be held at a later date, with details to be announced by the family. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in her honor to the Alzheimer’s Association (https://events.alz.org/fundraisers/curtishardrick/in-memory-of-teresa-y-hardrick---please-donate) or the Association of African American Museums (https://blackmuseums.org/donate/).