Constance Hardin

Constance Edwina Hardin, 75 years of age, a resident of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, passed away on May 9, 2022, from complications from Alzheimer’s.  Connie, as she was known by her family and friends, was born in Lake Charles, Louisiana, and graduated from Rayne High School.  Connie loved to travel and welcomed the opportunity to live in the Middle East in the 1970’s.  After returning to the States, Connie lived on the Mississippi Gulf Coast, where she initially worked as a legal secretary before transitioning her career to be the Office Manager for the renowned artist Pati Bannister, with whom she worked for twenty-five years.

Connie often told her daughter, “Life is real. Seize the moment,” and Connie took her own advice.  Always up for an adventure, Connie enjoyed horseback riding, went skydiving (once), hiked into the mountains of Rwanda to photograph gorillas, went white water rafting (once), traveled to China (twice), Hong Kong, Italy (3 times), Russia, England, Ireland, Scotland, Greece, Turkey, Spain, and throughout the United States.  When not traveling, she enjoyed painting, walking her dog, decorating her house, and, most of all, Connie cherished her many friends and just having a cup tea while they visited for hours.  She maintained those friendships until the end.

Connie is survived by her three children, Rachel Natalie (Karnes) McCarthy (Marc), Retha Elizabeth (Karnes) Niedecken (Joe, deceased), Carlton Keith Karnes (Jade); her brother-in-law Michael Picard; her best friend (and coconspirator of many capers) of nearly fifty years, Jeannie Winton; and friend of nearly thirty years, Rebecca Lyn Pringle.

Connie was preceded in death by her ex-husband, Samuel Keith Karnes, Jr.; her parents, Carlton Hardin and Elizabeth (Webber) Hardin; and her sister, Marlene (Hardin) Picard (Michael).

Per Connie’s wishes, she will be cremated.  Interment will be private at a later date.

In lieu of flowers and donations, please honor Connie by “seizing the moment” and reaching out to a friend or family member and visit with them over a cup a tea.

The family of Connie Hardin wish to extend our sincere thanks and profound gratitude to Tiffany and Carrie and everyone at Hospice of Baton Rouge; to Edna and the entire Care Team in the Reminiscence Unit at Sunrise of Baton Rouge (Jefferson Highway), to the doctors and nurses in the Orthopedic Surgery Unit at Our Lady of the Lake Hospital in Baton Rouge; and to Mrs. Linda Davis of Baton Rouge.

Family and friends may sign the online guestbook or leave a personal note to the family at www.resthavenbatonrouge.com.