- March 19, 2026
Dorothy "Dee" Hardeman, a resident of Paradise Pointe Assisted Living and Memory Care in Ormond Beach, recently celebrated her 102nd birthday.
A Navy veteran and former local nurse, Hardeman turned 102 years old on March 8. She was born in Hartford, Connecticut, and served in the Navy from 1943 to 1945 during World War II. She continued to work in health care after the war.
According to a press release, Hardeman worked at the former hospital in Ormond Beach from 1967 to 1993.
“Dee remembers how nurses used to do everything by hand and on paper,” said Jill Stites, Life Enrichment director at Paradise Pointe. “Her stories give us a window into how much the profession has evolved.”
In addition to her nursing career, Hardeman enjoys writing. In 1976, she wrote a patriotic poem titled "I Am Your Flag."
Hardeman has also seen the local community grow dramatically over the years. She remembers
a time when State Road A1A along Florida’s coast was still a dirt road, the press release states.
Hardeman was married to her husband William for 55 years. They had four children: Pam, Mark, Richard and Edward (deceased.) Today, she has seven grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.
At Paradise Pointe, she enjoys outings, Bingo and happy hour gatherings, and values participating in the community's Veteran-to- Veteran Café, where residents who have served share stories and camaraderie.
“Dee brings so much wisdom, warmth, and history to our community,” said Darlinda Copeland, CEO at Paradise Pointe. “Celebrating her 102nd birthday was truly special for everyone here.”
