Jean Hardekopf

Jean Dona Hardekopf died on February 13, 2011. She was preceded in death by her husband, Irving “Whitey” Hardekopf. She is survived by her son, Bill (Susan) Hardekopf, and her three grandchildren, Brad, Katie, and Sarah (Justin) Hefner. She lived life to the fullest and embraced every opportunity in her 98 years. After retiring at age 66 from being the Executive Director of a United Way agency, she found herself wanting to pursue more dreams. She had been a dancer in her youth, traveling the country in 1930-1931 with a troupe, and loved performing. So, Dona pursued a hobby in acting, but that hobby blossomed into a second career that spanned 30 years. Big-screen accomplishments include roles in movies When Harry Met Sally, The Running Man, The Truman Show, and Superbad. Television appearances include ER, Malcolm in the Middle, and Grey’s Anatomy. She often remarked that her career highlight was kissing Matthew Perry in a short film for the 2005 ESPN awards show. While she found success in acting and living life in Hollywood, Dona most loved her role as a mother and grandmother. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, February 15 from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at Hunter Street Baptist Church with a memorial service to follow. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Heart Gallery of Alabama.