Betty M. (Burns) Gardner
Betty M. (Burns) Gardner of Reading MA died after a brief illness on February 5, 2016. Betty was born in Burlington, Vermont on October 22, 1922. The daughter of Joseph L. and Louise M. (LaFreniere) Burns, she was predeceased by her sister Lois (Burns) Brown and brother, Joseph F Burns. She attended Cathedral High School and worked at the Burlington Free Press after graduation and in later years as a secretary at Missisquoi Valley Union High School. She was married to Mark R Gardner in 1948 until his death in 1972. She spent most of her life in Swanton Vermont and summered in West Swanton. Her sister M. Patricia Burns of Portland Maine; and her 4 children; Patrice Baker and her husband Ricky of Suffern, New York, Marka O’Connell and her husband Gerard of Reading Massachusetts, Jeffrey Gardner and his wife Adrianne of Carlsbad California and Jennifer Gardner of Reading Massachusetts, survive her. She leaves 10 grandchildren; Meagan (O’Connell) Fazio of West Hartford, Connecticut, Brendan O’Connell of Jamaica Plain, Massachusetts, Hannah (Baker) Volekas of Mahwah, New Jersey, Liam and Evan O’Connell and Samuel, Ethan and Sophie Hutchins all of Reading Massachusetts and Taylor and Alex Gardner of Carlsbad California and 7 great grandchildren; Liam and Lennox O’Connell, Molly and Joseph Volekas, Will Fazio and Naveen and Kavi O’Connell. Her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren were the loves of her life. Betty loved all things Vermont and always considered it home. A private memorial service will be held in April in North Hero Vermont and interment will be at the St. Mary’s Cemetery Swanton, Vermont. Contributions in Betty’s memory may be made to the MICU at Melrose-Wakefield Hospital, c/o the Development Department, 585 Lebanon St., Melrose, MA 02176.
Share
Let the family know you care by sharing this tribute.
Condolences from MVU Class of 1985…one classy lady….I worked at the front desk with her for 2 years….Rest in Peace Mrs. Gardner…..
Dear Patrice, Marka, Jeff and Jennifer and families, I would like to extend my deepest of sympathies to all of you, so sad when I heard the news…….. Your Mom was the kindest person I’ve ever known and I will always miss her. Even though we weren’t able to connect in person very often we were able to talk on the phone from time to time and it was just nice knowing she was their, my thoughts and prayers to all of you…………
Please accept our deepest condolences for the passing of your mother. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. I will always hold fond memories of her and how her simple smile seemed to brighten one’s day.
It has been well over 40 years since I last visited with the Gardner family, but the memories are vivid and wonderfully great. The news of Mrs. Gardner’s passing, which I just received, is very saddening. I know though, that Betty enjoyed a long life, and she must have been thrilled with her grandchildren and great grandchildren, because that’s just the way she was. I offer my sincerest and deepest condolences to Marka, Jeff, Jennifer, and especially Patrice. My thoughts are with you all.
Aime’ Trahan
St Albans, VT
Betty has always been one of my favorite people, I think of her and recall so many fun times almost daily. I taught at MVU 1980-1985 while Betty was in the office. I visited with her at her home(s) as well. We were always making things for each other and never did decide who made the best fudge, it was always great fun taste testing though. She was such a lovely lady, so much fun , always leave them smiling Betty. I love you and miss you my dear friend !
Patrice Marks Jeff and Jennifer I express my sincere sympathy. I have many happy memories of playing and visiting your home and camp.Our parents would play cards and we would run around being kids.When I think of your Mom I can see her in the lawn chair at the camp and laughing with us.So sorry for your loss. Ada
Cousins Patrice, Marka, Jeff & Jennifer – It was with great sadness that I read about your mother’s passing, she was a wonderful lady. I’m forever grateful for Charlotte & Brad Gardner for organizing the reunion that allowed all of us to reconnect if only for a short time. It was especially nice to have Aunt Betty, Aunt Coke, your mother and my mother together again. Now three are gone.
What an amazing woman,mother,grandmother and yes, great grandmother. Betty always made me laugh but she could also put me in my place with a quick look followed by a wink. The fact that she was still climbing into a boat to go fishing, cleaning the fish and cooking it in her 90’s will always bring a smile to my face. She loved her family fiercely and it was returned 100 fold. I will miss seeing her in Vermont. Much love, Kelly
Dear Patrice, Marka, Jeff and Jennifer,
I am so sorry for the loss of your mother. Betty was a wonderful easy going lady, and will always hold a special place in my heart. Patrice, Debbie Dean & I had so many fun times together,starting with dance classes at 4 and our Mom’s making costumes to making mud and milk weed pies, by the creek and little log cabin, it was a wonderful childhood. Dancing in the living room, messages on the chalk board and your dad putting a little oil on our frozen pizza’s. May your memories give you comfort you were blessed.
Dear Patrice, Marka, Jeff and Jennifer,
I am so sorry to learn of your Mom’s passing. She left a lasting impression on me in many ways.
First her sense of humor, to this day I recall a time when we were leaving church from an Easter Vigil Mass in Swanton; it was a long service, at least 2+ hours and her comment as we were walking out was that she had enough church for 2 Sundays, I smiled and remember thinking that I was feeling the same way. Your Mom just knew what to say at the right moment to lighten things.
Secondly, her love for family was so apparent. She was the Mom who was always there, I remember her involvement with the Annual St. Patty’s Variety Show (many years ago), the sleepover parties, etc.
She was blessed to have had such a long life and for all of you to share in it. Know that I will continue to keep you all in prayer.
With Deepest Sympathy,
Paulette (Gauthier) Rocheleau