Kathryn Gardner Obituary

Kathryn "Kay" Mae Sproul Gardner

Life long resident of San Jose

6/26/1930 - 11/6/2010

Retired Reading Instructor, West Valley College. Kathryn helped develop the WVC Learning Services program, and served as Department Chair during most of her career at WVC and was President of the Northern California College Reading Association. She held a BA in English, San Jose State University; was a Ford Fellow at SF State University and held an MA, Education, University of Santa Clara. She attended Santa Clara High School, where she was active in debate and theatre, and made many life long friends.

Kay volunteered with League of Women Voters, Partners in Reading, Volunteer Exchange. An avid reader, excellent writer, nature lover, she enjoyed the arts, and followed politics and current events. She left many good friends, colleagues and former students who appreciated her strength, intelligence and deep friendships.

Survived by loving daughter and son-in-law Barbara and Tim Oertli, Santa Clara, CA. Step-daughter Judith Gardner, Maumelle, AR; Grand-daughter Eyren Mills, Charleston, SC. Cousin, Nancy McDowell, San Martin, CA. Loving wife of Arthur S. Gardner, San Jose, who pre-deceased her.

Donations can be made in her name to: Second Harvest Foodbank, San Jose, CA; American Civil Liberties Union Foundation; Natural Resources Defense Council.

Memorial Sat. Dec. 4th, 12 noon, CSE 1146 University Ave., San Jose, CA 95126.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by San Jose Mercury News/San Mateo County Times on Nov. 14, 2010.

Memories and Condolences
for Kathryn Gardner

11 Entries

Eyren Mills

November 23, 2010

G'Ma Kay gave so much enrichment to my life. She nurtured every creative idea I had and everything I wanted to explore from nature and animals to music and life. I will always appreciate her for that and our "ducky" times in Far Horizons, which, looking back, opened my mind in so many ways. The best, however, was when you two came to Paris. It's hard for me to pick "the best" moment of an amazing three years there, however you and your mom coming all that way to visit is way up at the top. It was a honor to share something with someone who had given me so much. The best of your mom lives on in those of whom she has touched.

Kathleen Scott

November 22, 2010

I know your mother will be greatly missed by many but particularly by you her devoted and loving daughter and your husband. I have so many happy memories of both your mom and your dad but of course I spent a lot more time with your mom. She was a unique woman with many talents who I will ALWAYS remember with great fondness and admiration. She was truely a grand inspiration in my life. Peace to you in this most difficult time.

Esme Sachs

November 18, 2010

Barbara & Tim, I'm so sorry for your loss. Martha & I really enjoyed spending time with you & Kaye, & remember fondly our sightseeing trips with you & Kaye, several years ago when she was still active. Much love & prayers.

Jennifer Craig

November 15, 2010

May this candle light the way for all the many family and friends of dear Kay as our hearts are heavy and our eyes filled with tears because of the loss of one so dear. May you watch over all our beloved kitties that have gone before and know that you will be missed dearly and thought of often.
All our love and many blessings,
Jennifer, Richard and Bailey >"<

Laura Ness

November 14, 2010

Hi Barbara and Tim,
A fitting tribute to a woman who was such a tour de force in your lives. Perhaps her strength will inspire a whole new chapter of beautiful artwork by her most talented daughter!
Laura

November 14, 2010

Dear Kay, you impressed us with your strength and kindness.You also gave us the yummy sweet 100 tomatoes:) We will continue to grow them every year and think of you:) Ryan and Ami Asuncion San Jose, CA

Shannon Murphy

November 14, 2010

Hi Barbara - So sorry to hear about your mom. She and Walda were such good friends all throughout their lives. The good thing is that they are now together again, talking about high school and Rainbow, music and events and all of the great times they had together.

Nancy Bean

November 14, 2010

Dear Friend Kay - I still remember meeting you in the 6th grade at Hester School, girl scouts, and many, many good times together. You are sorely missed.

Grace Purpura

November 14, 2010

Kay was intelligent, graceful and compassionate. She was appreciative of others. I valued her opinions in our memoir writing class where she gave insightful critiques. She was wise, a woman of integrity. She stood tall.
She reminded me of Katherine Hepburn.
Kay was one classy dame! She will be missed.

Judith Gardner

November 14, 2010

She was a natural-born teacher who helped me overcome my fear of water and taught me to swim. My great love of the water is a gift from her I will always treasure.

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