Annabelle “Ann” Hardt

Hardt—Annabelle “Ann” Hardt, 96, on November 18, 2024, at Friendship Village Health Center in Tempe, Ariz. Ann was born in 1927 to Charles T. and Ruby Hardt, who were Methodist missionaries serving in Poland. The family returned to the United States and settled in Texas when Ann was a small child.

Ann earned her bachelor’s degree in education from Southwestern University in Georgetown, Tex., in 1948. She received her master’s degree from Cornell University in Ithaca, N.Y., in 1951. Ann conducted conflict resolution workshops and engaged in curriculum development in Russia, Lithuania, Uzbekistan, Costa Rica, India, and Yugoslavia. She volunteered for a Quaker workcamp in the Netherlands to help the country rebuild after its historic flood and later with Quakers in Mexico. In 1968, she received her doctorate in social and philosophical foundations of education from the University of Texas.

In 1968, Ann joined Arizona State University (ASU), where she was a faculty member (including professor emerita) of the College of Education for 22 years teaching classes in elementary education, peace and conflict studies, and multicultural education. In 1972, Ann spent five months at Ramallah Friends School in Palestine, a time that shaped her ideas about interreligious dialogue and multicultural education.

Ann’s husband, Tony Nickachos, died in 2006. Two years later, Ann honored Tony by creating a faculty chair at ASU’s Center for the Study of Religion and Conflict. The Hardt-Nickachos Chair in Peace Studies is devoted to research and teaching practices that contribute to a sustainable peace.

Ann was one of the founding members of Tempe (Ariz.) Meeting. She served the meeting in various positions, including as clerk. She served for a time as the Arizona Half Yearly representative to Arizona Ecumenical Council (now Arizona Faith Network) and the Arizona Area Committee of American Friends Service Committee and as one of Intermountain Yearly Meeting’s representatives to AFSC.

Ann’s tender and abiding companionship and care for her mother, Ruby Hardt, when they came to meeting together, was a loving model for all to emulate. Ann’s faithfulness to the Light was experienced by Friends in her vocal ministry. Her messages challenged Friends to think about their role in the broader world.

Ann volunteered as a mediator for the Arizona Attorney General’s Office; was one of the leaders of the Arizona Dispute Resolution Conference; and was a member of the Tempe Mayor’s Advisory Committee on Gangs, Alcohol, and Drugs. She was also involved in Tempe Emergency Assistance Ministries and the Campus Interfaith Council.

Ann recovered from breast cancer through her positive mindset and resolute spirit. Her New Year’s open house brought together many who might not have crossed paths but for Ann’s efforts.

Ann was predeceased by her husband, Tony Nickachos. She is survived by many cousins and many close friends.