Mary Ann Gardner

1937 - 2016

Mary Ann Gardner (Clinton)
June 6, 1937- December 12, 2016
Belmont
Mary Ann passed away peacefully at home after a brief illness. Born and raised in San Mateo Park, Mary Ann was the daughter of J. Hart and Helen Alicia Clinton (Amphlett), long-time owners of the San Mateo Times. She was a proud alumnus of San Mateo High School ('55) and Stanford University ('59), graduating with a degree in journalism. After graduation, Mary Ann put her degree to work at United Press International in San Francisco.
In 1961, Mary Ann married Boston-born Christopher Gardner, moved to Belmont and raised five children: Julie Savage (Colin), Jenny Fields (Danny), Amy Wooliever (Patrick), Christine Gardner (Dominic) and Robert Gardner (Elizabeth). She enjoyed her eight grandchildren: Matthew, Jackson, Louis, Kathleen, Owen, Ingrid, Mathilde, and Barr. She is also survived by her brother, John Clinton, sisters-in-law Nina Clinton and Rosalie Gardner as well as many nieces and nephews. Mary Ann is predeceased by her husband of 46 years, Christopher Gardner, her sister Mary Jane Zirkel and her parents, J. Hart and Helen Clinton.
Mary Ann shared her many talents with family and friends. She was a talented and versatile cook, whether preparing and hosting elaborate holiday dinners, working the Coleman stove during family camping trips or making her famous sourdough waffles to the delight of her grandchildren. An avid knitter, her children were the lucky recipients of many hand-knit sweaters over the years. Mary Ann volunteered her time at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church in Belmont for the annual dinner dance. When Chris retired they explored the world together via planes, trains and automobiles. She was a real wit and a crossword puzzle genius.
Mary Ann cheered her kids at innumerable sporting events ready with a warm shoulder to lean on, a ride home for any and all, and always a carefully completed scorebook. Also fans of Bay Area sports, Mary Ann and Chris, independently, took home souvenirs at Giants games at the age of 69 with Mary Ann snagging a Jonathan Sanchez foul ball and Chris, an Ellis Burks home run. She was proud of her 121 yard hole-in-one at Sunken Gardens. She also enjoyed watching her beloved Stanford Cardinal, and was a familiar presence for decades at Sunken Diamond and the Stanford Stadium.
Mary Ann was a wonderful mother, sister, and friend to all who knew her and loved her.
A Vigil will be held on Monday, December 19th at 7pm with a Visitation from 6pm -8pm at Crippen & Flynn Carlmont Chapel in Belmont. A Funeral Mass will be held on Tuesday, December 20th, 11am at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church in Belmont. In lieu of flowers, family requests donations to the charity of your choice.


View the online memorial for Mary Ann  Gardner (Clinton)