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Mary Gardiner Obituary
Gini passed away at the age of 90, on Oct. 16, 2010, in Alamosa, Colo. She was born July 3, 1920, in Santaquin, Utah, to George Kirkman and Emma Mary Greenhalgh.
Gini was the cherished "baby" of the family. She attended Brigham Young University, receiving a degree in elementary education in 1942. While at BYU, she met and was courted by her future husband, John Gardiner. He and Gini were married in the Salt Lake Temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on April 20, 1942.
She worked as a Kindergarten teacher for 22 years, primarily at Big Springs Elementary School. Gini was a tireless worker at everything she did, had incredible homemaking skills, and was an excellent cook (a talent her family will always fondly remember).
After retiring, John and Gini enjoyed serving for many years at the LDS Los Angeles Temple. Gini then valiantly cared for her husband as he suffered the ravages of Parkinson's and Alzheimer's diseases, until his death in 2001.
During the next nine years, Gini showed her amazing strength and legendary "will of iron" as she battled back from breast cancer, strokes, and two broken hips. Though Gini was a resident of Simi Valley since 1952, during the last three years of her life she was lovingly cared for by daughter, Kathy, in Alamosa, Colo. This past summer included a 90th birthday celebration for Gini, with all the family gathering to create some very special last memories.
Gini will always be lovingly remembered for her many endearing qualities, but especially for her sparkling blue eyes, her infectious laugh, and her great love for her family. Gini's children are filled with joy as they envision the loving reunion between their mother and father. Gini was preceded in death by her parents, her siblings, and husband, Dr. John S. Gardiner.
She is survived by her children: John (Leila), Utah; Kathy (Loren), Colorado; Kirkman (Nanci), California; and Brooks, California; as well as her eight grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren.
A graveside service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 23, at Pierce Brothers Valley Oaks Memorial Park, 5600 Lindero Canyon Road, Westlake Village. Please sign the guestbook at www.piercebrothersvalleyoaks.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Mary Gardiner
3 Entries
Linda Webb
October 22, 2010
John, Kathy, Kirk, Brooks:
Just a few days ago, I was going through some old photographs from Grandma's house and I found some pictures of your mother and dad. There was a wonderful picture of Virginia & I reflected on your many visits to Pleasant Grove and how you would always let me tag along with your family. I thought about your mom and her kindergarten cookbooks she put together! She and your dad always had the best sense of humor. I had no idea that she had passed away this week. You all have my deepest sympathy. Our thoughts & prayers are with you.
With Love & Fond Memories,
Linda Mayfield Webb
October 21, 2010
Thinking of you at this difficult time. May you have peace and comfort as you mourn the loss of your mother. You are in our thoughts and prayers. We wish we could be there with you at this time, but our health won't permit it. With deepest sympathy.
Love,
Aunt Thelda and Uncle Myles Harris
October 21, 2010
Our family sends you our condolances and sympathy at this time. We have lots of good memories of John and Virginia.
Ken & Carolyn Bullock
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