Stephani Layne Hardy

VICKSBURG, Miss. (VDN) — Stephani Layne Hardy entered her heavenly home peacefully in her sleep on Tuesday morning, September 9, 2025. She was preceded in death by her mother, Fleta Kate Hardy, and her mother-in-law, Peg Cantwell. She is survived by her husband, Tim Cantwell; her son, Zack Erickson; her father, Vernon Hardy; her sister, Laura Hardy Finlay and husband, Russ; her niece, Nicole Finlay Lemon and husband, Bradly; and Tim’s children, whom she loved as her own, Dawn Cantwell, Ryan Cantwell, his wife Shoshana, and their daughter Faye. 

Stephani was born on June 13, 1957, in Hillsboro, Texas, where she lived with her mother, Kate, and grandmother, Thelma Garrison. Later, they moved to Dallas and lived with her aunt, Marie Garrison, where Stephani delighted in her large extended family of aunts, uncles, and cousins. In Dallas, Kate met Vernon Hardy at church; and when they married, he lovingly adopted and raised Stephani as his own daughter. At age ten, Stephani was thrilled to become an older sister.  She loved dressing Laura up and taking her to football games in matching song-leader outfits. The bond between the sisters remained profound throughout their lives. 

Stephani attended Baylor University, where she earned her BFA in Theater Arts. A gifted actress and singer, she performed in numerous Off-Broadway and regional productions of plays and musicals. While performing summer stock in Big Fork, Montana, she met Dan Erickson, whom she married in 1984. They lived in New York, pursuing their acting careers, before moving to Los Angeles, where their son Zachary was born in 1990. Stephani adored Zack and embraced motherhood wholeheartedly. As a single mom, she worked tirelessly to create a safe and joyful life for him; and took immense pride in his creative talents and entrepreneurial spirit as a small business owner and brewer. 

Stephani’s professional life was defined by her deep commitment to service. She joined U.S. Vets in its early days, running an AmeriCorps program that grew into a nationwide initiative coordinating services for homeless veterans. She later became Executive Director of U.S. Vets, leading partnerships with Cantwell Anderson and expanding operations in five states and the District of Columbia, ultimately providing housing and hope for tens of thousands of homeless veterans.  Together with Tim, she also poured immense time and energy into revitalizing historic downtown Vicksburg, Mississippi, where their restored home on the Mississippi River became her happy place.  

Stephani and Tim shared a passion for adventure. They loved the sun, the water, and especially travel. Together they explored South America, Southeast Asia, Europe, and countless other destinations; and of course treasured their semi-annual Baja refuge. They enjoyed wine tasting in California and skiing with friends in the Rocky Mountains. Most recently, they discovered a love of Chilean and Argentinian wine during Tim’s bucket-list trip to ski the Andes. They traded off bucket list trips, and next year was to be Stephani’s turn—she had already begun the planning for Spain and Portugal. She adored Tim’s zest for life and matched it with her own, always ready with all manner of life tools tucked perfectly into her iconic oversized purse.  

Those who knew Stephani describe her as a beacon of kindness and compassion. She was an undeniably beautiful and classy woman. With her radiant smile, infectious laughter, and fierce sense of justice, she embodied the spirit of love and service. She had a gift for going deep, never settling for small talk, but instead embracing people wholeheartedly. She showed up unfailingly for her family. never missing a performance, game, graduation, or Oktoberfest; and cared for her mother with unwavering devotion after her stroke in 2024. Her friends knew they were loved without measure, and that Stephani would move mountains for them. Stephani’s memory will forever live in the hearts of those who knew and loved her. She is now at peace with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

A celebration of life will be held at Triumph Church on Saturday, September 27, 2025, at 11:00 A.M. with Rev. Mike Fields officiating.

In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to the food ministry of Triumph Church, 136 Honeysuckle Lane, Vicksburg, MS, 39180