Susan Gardner

LEOMINSTER -- Susan J. Gardner, 60, of Leominster, lost her one-and-a-half year battle with ovarian cancer on Sunday, Sept. 17, 2006. She died at home surrounded by her loving family. She was born on Feb. 27, 1946, daughter of Arlene E. (Pierce) Gardner and the late James A. Gardner.

Ms. Gardner graduated from Leominster High School in 1964, and lived and worked in the Washington, DC area for 21 years. She returned to Leominster in 1988. She recently retired from the Federal Government after 30 years. She is a Charter Member of the Friends of Sholan Farms where she enjoyed leading school groups and was affectionately called “The Apple Lady.” In 2001, she starred in the independent film, “We’ve Got Johnny.” She brought humor to her role as the all-knowing apple expert. She was also a member of the Leominster Historical Society, Nashaway Genealogical Society and the Leominster United Methodist Church.

Sue is survived by her loving mother Arlene E. (Pierce) Gardner of Leominster; sisters Sandra J. Anthony and her husband, Vernon, of Brookville, Fla., Sally J. Gardner and her husband, George Pasay, of Leominster, and Sherry J. Schofield-Bedell and her husband, Allan Bedell, of Strafford, N.H.; niece Wendy Thrailkill and nephews Jeffrey Rossbach, Michael Schofield, William Gardner-Mims, and Thomas Schofield.

GARDNER -- On Sept. 17, Susan J. Gardner, 60, of Leominster died at home. A funeral service will be held on Thursday, Sept. 21 at 11 a.m. at the Leominster United Methodist Church, 77 Hall St., Leominster. Burial will follow in Evergreen Cemetery, Leominster. Calling hours will be held on Wednesday, Sept. 20 from 4 to 8 p.m. in the Silas F. Richardson & Son Funeral Home, 106 West St., Leominster. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Friends of Sholan Farms, PO Box 632, Leominster, MA 01453 or to The Leominster United Methodist Church, 77 Hall Street, Leominster, MA 01453. www.richardsonfuneralhome.net.