Obituary of Mary J. Gardner

HOWARD: Mary J. Gardner, 82, passed away unexpectedly Tuesday December 10, 2024 at her home after falling ill. Mary was born February 2, 1942 in Westfield, Pa. to the late Clair and Anna (Hryczyk) Brown. On August 30, 1961 in Painted Post, NY she married Robert D. Gardner who survives. Mary was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother who thoroughly enjoyed the company of her family. A homemaker by day but so much more than just that. She was one of a kind, raising 4 kids of her own and helping care for 10 grandkids and later even many great grandkids. Kids were her pride and joy- a nurturing heart is what she had. She radiated light into a room just by being in it, a confidant- always an ear to listen. Whether she thought you were right or wrong she listened and never passed judgement. She was a giver which meant she would give and give even if she had nothing left to give and never expect anything in return. If you didn’t believe in superstitions, she’d be sure to make a believer out of you. I’m pretty sure she knew every last one and made sure she passed them on to all her family. Boy did she love the simple things in life- a night in doing her word searches, sitting close to the window to see the feed she left for her hummingbirds be consumed or a weekend away enjoying the bright lights and sounds at the casino hopefully bringing home more money than she left with but that wasn’t always the case but enjoyed herself nonetheless. Above all, her favorite thing to do was enjoy spending time with family. She loved her children, her grandchildren and great grandchildren- there’s nothing in life that brought her more joy. A woman with the biggest heart, the purest soul, and the most beautiful person inside and out. To have known her is the biggest blessing, to have loved her and be loved by her was life’s greatest treasure. In addition to her husband, she is survived by her four children, Kimberly (Barb) Gotshall of Avoca, Melissa Gardner of Wayland, Bradley (Kim) Gardner of Hornell and Melanie Gutierrez of Howard. Many grandchildren which include: Jessica (LeAnn) Gotshall, Josh (Jessica) Gotshall, Tyler (Alexandra) Gardner, Robert Gardner, Anthoni Gardner, Brandon (Laura) Gardner, Letitia (Andy) Turner, Miranda (Nick) Sikes, Rhiannon Murphy, Shannon (John) Billings, Olivia Gardner, and Wyatt Gardner, several great grandchildren which include: Hailey, Evan, Noah, Lilian, Lillyanna, Ainsley, Brooke, Ashton, Peyton, Kaya, Lillian and Everett along with many nieces and nephews. She is also survived by a sister Kathy (Claire) Carson of Pine City and a brother Charles Brown of Germania, Pa. Per Mary’s wishes there will be no calling hours or service. Arrangements are in care of the H.P. Smith & Son, Inc. Funeral Home in Canisteo.