Jean Gardner

BREWSTER - Jean (Duffie) Gardner, 93 of Brewster and formerly of Yarmouthport passed away March 13, 2016. She was the wife of Capt. Irving H. Gardner for 73 years. Born in Boston, Mrs. Gardner was the daughter of the late Brig. General Harold R. and Marion (Davison) Duffie. She attended Roslindale High School, and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts Degree from Syracuse University, and a Master's Degree in Education from Northeastern University. She worked as a teacher, guidance counselor, and was the Dean of Women at Melrose High School until she retired. Jean dedicated countless hours to the Cape Cod Hospital Auxiliary and the Yarmouth Historical Society of Cape Cod, conducting tours and televising "Tales of Cape Cod" with Irving as director / filmmaker. She received the prestigious Mercy Otis Warren Woman of the Year Award from the Historical Society of Cape Cod in 2003 for her unwavering dedication to the preservation of Cape Cod History. "Okay Pal", Jean, was always the life of the party and full of positive energy each and every day. An avid golfer and member of the Cummaquid Golf Club for many years, she loved swimming, gardening, and music. In addition to her husband, Jean is survived by her devoted son Jeffrey Gardner of Cambridge; her sister Ann Fleck of Walpole; her nieces Marianne Durfor, Susan Haskell, and Carol Whetzel and their families; and her nephews William Fleck and Michael Durfor and their families. She is preceded in death by her parents, daughters Jan and Lynne Gardner, sister Marcia Durfor, and brothers-in-law Donald Durfor and Raymond Fleck. A Memorial Service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday April 16 in the First Congregational Church of Yarmouth, 329 Main St., Yarmouth Port, with the Rev. Philip Jackson officiating. Interment will be private. As an expression of sympathy, memorial contributions may be made to the Historical Society of Old Yarmouth, P.O. Box 11, Yarmouth Port, MA 02675. Arrangements by Hallett Funeral Home, South Yarmouth, MA www.hallettfuneralhome.com