Emily Frances (Fulginiti) Gardner, born August 6, 1930, passed away peacefully at the Hannah B.G. Shaw Home in Middleboro on Sunday, July 23, two weeks shy of her 87th birthday. She was the middle daughter of Nick and Marie (Lamontagne) Fulginiti.
She is predeceased by her parents, her husband of 60 years, Clifford Harrison Gardner, her son, Clifford Harrison Gardner, Jr., and her sister Rose White. She is survived by her children, Glenn Gardner and wife, Kathy of Yellville, Arkansas, Linda Dorgan and husband, Robert of Carver, and Nick Gardner and wife Becky of Berkley, her sister Joyce Barnard of Whitman and her sister-in-law Grayce Gardiner of Carver. She leaves seven grandchildren, Danielle Thill, Scott, Elizabeth and Emily Gardner, Michael, John and Brian Dorgan, their loving spouses/significant others, as well as four great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.
She was a graduate of Whitman High School, Class of 1947.
Emily worked as a waitress and garment worker, but considered being a loving wife and mother her primary and most important job. She had a myriad of hobbies over the years including motorcycling, boating, fishing, RV'ing, golfing, and her favorite, gardening. She loved tending to her rose bushes and at one time grew a small 6" cactus into one that matched her once 5' frame. She loved being outdoors, the beach, observing wildlife, and was an avid football fan which began when she would cheer on her husband who played for the old Whitman Town team. While in Texas, she gained a fondness for watching college football, but even after 25 years in Cowboy country, she remained a loyal Patriots fan.
Calling hours will be at the Blanchard Funeral Chapel, Plymouth Street (Rte. 58 @ the rotary) Whitman on Friday, July 28 from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. A short funeral service will be held at the funeral home on Saturday, July 29 at 10:00 a.m. Burial will be private.
In lieu of flowers, donations would be greatly appreciated to your local Veterans' services.