Danielle Gardner

Danielle Gardner

Danielle Lorraine Gardner passed peacefully on Sept. 24, 2019, with her loving husband Harry at her side, after a three-year battle with ALS. She was born Feb. 19, 1940, to Daniel and Mary Kovoch, in Detroit, Mich.

A graduate of Taylor Center High School (Class of 1958), Danielle married Harry Gardner on Aug. 11, 1958, and together had three wonderful children, Denise, Dennis and Donald. Early on, Danielle was a homemaker, a few years later she worked at her parents' business (Danny's Lounge - Trenton). In 1976, she began her 17-year employment at Frito-Lay in Allen Park, Mich.

After retirement, Harry and Danielle moved to Benzonia, Mich., where Danielle could be found volunteering as a Lifetime Member of Weight Watchers, baking for fundraisers at Paul Oliver Hospital and The Maples Medical Care Facility Blueberry Festival. She assisted with Special Olympics, taking residents of the Maples to The Gathering Place for social events and dancing, as well as, participated in Relay for Life walks. Together with Harry, they volunteered at The Maples with a Bunco Club, and provided fishing charters for children with disabilities.

Danielle had many passions in life. She loved fishing, and could frequently be found on Lake Michigan and numerous inland lakes. It was well known when on Lake Michigan, she was the Captain of the Earlybird. An avid baker and cake decorator, Danielle was known for her spectacular wedding, anniversary and birthday cake creations. A huge Red Wing fan, and with three children playing youth hockey, she was active in the early years of the Taylor Hockey Association. This included helping form the first, girl's youth hockey team in Taylor. She loved to dance at any opportunity, especially to the sounds of old Motown songs and polkas. Her travels included trips to Colorado, Alaska and Hawaii, which she did several times.

Danielle was preceded in death by her parents, Daniel and Mary Kovoch; brother, Lawrence; and daughter Denise. She is survived by her devoted husband, Harry; sons, Dennis (Lisa) and Donald. Loving grandmother, of Nichole, Aaron, Rebecca and David. Great-Grandmother, of Mackenzie, Makayla, Mia and Mohamed. Dear sister, of Theodore (Patricia), Kathy (Larry).

Visitations will be 5-8 p.m.,  on Thursday October 3, 2019, at Jowett Funeral Family Funeral Home, in Benzonia. A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 11 a.m., on Friday October 4, 2019, at Trinity Lutheran Church, in Frankfort. In lieu of flowers, it is the wishes of the family for donations to be sent to: Susan Mast ALS Foundation - Northern Michigan, In Memory of Danielle Gardner, PO Box 5712, Traverse City, Michigan 49696 or Trinity Lutheran Church, 955 James St. Frankfort, Michigan 49635. Arrangements provided by Jowett Family Funeral Home