Ann Harder
Ann Harder passed away on July 18, 2023, at the age of 85. Ann was born to Ray Edward Harder, Sr. and Ruth Edra Paggi Harder in Beaumont, TX, on January 19, 1938.
Ann was preceded in death by her parents, and her brother, Ray Edward Harder, Jr. She is survived by her sister, Edra Bogucki.
Ann attended Lamar State College and wore many hats during her lifetime. The Paggi name has been well-known in the Beaumont area for generations as her grandfather, Ed was involved in Spindletop and founded the YMBL in 1917.
Ann Harder proudly held the title “President” of “P& H Farms of Texas, Inc,”.
Ann was a very prominent figure in Beaumont and was involved in and supported the American Rose Society, Beaumont Botanical Gardens, American Cancer Society, Houston Public Media as well as many other philanthropic causes.
Ann Harder was a passionate, long-time supporter of Houston PBS, part of Houston Public Media at the University of Houston. Her favorite programs were Masterpiece and Nature. During the Downton Abbey years Ann was honored at a Downton-themed high tea held at the Beaumont Botanical Gardens. To celebrate her 80th birthday Masterpiece executive producer, Rebecca Eaton, was flown in by Houston Public Media for a special dinner in Ann’s honor. Ann’s love of PBS was rooted in her intellectual curiosity and appreciation for the arts. She was dearly loved, and well known at Houston PBS for her strong spirit, sense of humor, and big heart. They have fond memories of trips to see Ann’s rose garden, lunch and feeding the ducks before heading back to Houston. The station will be running tribute messages in her honor.
In her free time, Ann enjoyed gardening, nurturing her plants, and creating beautiful outdoor spaces, but most importantly helping people. She was an amazing woman who left a lasting impression on everyone she encountered. She will be greatly missed by her family, friends and loved ones.
The family asks that donations be made in memory of Ann Harder to the American Rose Society, one of St. Mark’s outreach programs, 680 Calder Avenue, Beaumont, Texas 77701 or The Humane Society of Southeast Texas, 2050 Spindletop Avenue, Beaumont, Texas 77705.
A gathering of Ms. Harder’s family and friends will be from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m., Sunday, July 23, 2023, at Broussard’s, 2000 McFaddin Avenue, Beaumont. Her funeral will be 10:00 a.m., Monday, July 24, 2023, at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, 680 Calder Avenue, Beaumont, with her interment to follow at Magnolia Cemetery, Beaumont.
A quote to remember which Ann often shared: “not what we give, but what we share because the gift without the giver is bare.”
Complete and updated information may be found at: broussards1889.com.
