Rita Louise Gardiner

RITA LOUISE GARDINER of Woburn, MA, passed away peacefully at home on Monday, March 16th at 92 years of age, surrounded by her loving family after several days of quiet strength.

Beloved wife of the late John "Jack" C. Gardiner. Cherished mother of Donna Gardiner, John Gardiner (Johanna Fink), and David Gardiner (Antoinette Merlino). Devoted grandmother, "Grammy" to Isabella and Cole Nowak, and "Nana" to Emily (Oliver Fox), Clarese, Sophia, and Tristan Gardiner.

Rita was born on February 5th, 1934, in Somerville, MA, the daughter of Louis P. Minezzi and Caroline C. (Ramunno) Minezzi. She graduated from Somerville High School and began her career at Sears. She later devoted herself to raising her three children before returning to Sears, where she worked until her retirement at the age of 74. Rita was known for her love of shopping and her unmistakable flair for fashion and jewelry.

Rita married Jack Gardiner on September 12th, 1959, after only six months of dating. They shared 58 loving years of marriage before Jack's passing in 2017. Together, they built a life centered on love and family, opening their hearts to adopt and raise three children.

Rita found joy in life's simple pleasures, including visits to the casino, attending church, playing cards, cooking Sunday meals, and creating crafts with her grandchildren. She took great pride in always looking her best, well into her 90s, with her makeup done and hair perfectly styled.

A devout Catholic, Rita was a longtime parishioner of St. Barbara's Church. She was a deeply devoted mother and grandmother, and her family was the center of her world.

The family would like to express their sincere gratitude to the staff at Atlas Home Care for their compassionate support over the past several years, specifically Janice, Jenylee and Janise. Many shared how Rita was their favorite. She was known for her kind energy, her endearing quirks, a Hallmark movie always playing, and quarters in her bag ready for Bingo.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Charles Church, 280 Main St., Woburn, on Saturday, March 21st at 10:00 a.m. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend. Visiting hours will be held at the Lynch-Cantillon Funeral Home, 263 Main Street, Woburn, prior to the Mass from 8:30 a.m. to 9:45 a.m. Interment will follow at Woodbrook Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in honor of her late husband, Jack, to The ALS Association Massachusetts Chapter, 685 Canton St., Suite 103, Norwood, MA 02062.