Margaret Hanlon Gardella

Margaret Hanlon Gardella
Margaret Hanlon Gardella, 82, of Milford, CT passed away peacefully on Friday, April 5, 2024 at Connecticut Hospice in Branford, CT.
Born January 22, 1942 in New York City, Margie was the third of seven children of the late George W. and Margaret Wurster Hanlon.
Margie was raised in New Canaan and Ridgefield, CT, and was a 1960 graduate of Ridgefield High. She was a gifted artist who, at the age of 14, was awarded an oil painting scholarship from Silvermine Art Guild in New Canaan, which started a long and productive life of oil painting and design. In 1961, Margie married Jim Gardella of Norwalk where they lived for many years and raised 4 children.
In addition to Margie's passion for art and design she was an avid gardener, and always had a great sense of style. She loved sports and was an enthusiastic athlete who enjoyed both skiing and boating as well as tennis, golf and travel. She also involved herself in local city projects such as The Norwalk Clean and Green committee, which opposed turning Taylor Farm into the city dump. Margie was also active in organizing neighborhood "earth days" to clean up the neighborhood long before green became trendy.
Margie is survived by her 4 children and their spouses, Elizabeth O'Connor (John), Katherine Taylor (Richard), Robert Gardella (Cynthia) and Christopher Gardella; 9 grandchildren as well as 4 great grandchildren. Margie is also survived by her siblings Sharon (Rex Gustafson), Bette Lischke (Jerry), Bill (Maria), Carol (Mrs. George Hanlon) and Michael Hanlon, numerous nieces and nephews, and by her longtime companion, Peter Nelson.
In addition to her parents, Margie is predeceased by her brother George, sister Pat Clark and great granddaughter Emma Rose Campbell.
A wake will be held at Collins Funeral Home, East Ave, Norwalk: 4-7 pm Wednesday, April10th.
Funeral to be at St. Paul's Church on the Green, Norwalk, 10:00 am Thursday, April 11th, followed by burial St. John's Cemetery, Norwalk.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made to CT Hospice, Branford, CT.