Joan B. Gardner

Mrs. Joan B. Gardner, a lifelong resident of Melrose, passed away peacefully at the Sawtelle Family Hospice House on Monday, April 16, 2018, at age 89. Joan was born on January 23, 1929, the daughter of the late Joseph W. and Bertha (Hawes) Batchelder. Raised in Melrose, she graduated from Melrose High School, Class of 1947 and received training to become a dental hygienist from the Forsyth Institute in Cambridge. Joan worked as a dental hygienist in Melrose and Wakefield for several years, and later for the Reading School System. A child of the Great Depression, Joan was raised to be independent, self reliant and frugal. She remained true to herself and her family throughout her life. In her free time, she loved to knit, especially anything for a new baby. She had an appreciation for nature, enjoyed the outdoors, and loved to simply watch the birds. Most of all, Joan centered her life around being a loving, supportive wife and mother. She was happy to be doing anything, as long as her family was involved. She enjoyed skiing with her husband, and children. With a long familial connection to Megunticook Lake, Joan was determined and eventually successful in buying a summer camp on the lake. She cherished time spent with family at the camp on the water's edge in Camden, Maine. With her love for the natural environment, Joan developed a deep connection to Lake Megunticook and cherished many happy memories made with family and friends. Whether at home in Melrose, or at the lake in Maine, Joan was happiest relaxing on the front porch, and never hesitated to talk with anyone who happened to pass by. Joan was a caring woman who was always genuine and consistent. She was a reliable, steady and loving mother and will remain forever in love with her husband, Giles. She will be greatly missed. Joan was the beloved wife of the late Giles A. Gardner with whom she shared 64 years of marriage. Devoted mother of Jay W. Gardner, and Jane Gardner, both of Melrose. Services are private. Joan's family is eternally grateful for the care and comfort provided by both Melrose Wakefield Hospital and the Sawtelle Family Hospice House. In this sentiment, the Gardner's ask that gifts in memory of Joan be made to either Melrose Wakefield Hospital, Development Office, 585 Lebanon St., Melrose MA 02176 (www.hallmarkhealth.org) or to Sawtelle Family Hospice House, c/o Lahey Philanthropy, 41 Mall Rd., Burlington, MA 01805.