Margaret Mary Gardner, 62, of Whitman, Massachusetts passed away on February 10th at Good Samaritan Hospital, surrounded by so many of her loved ones, after a brief illness, but long battle with Dementia. Born in Halifax, MA in 1960 as the second youngest child and only daughter to the late Edward McGarry and Virginia (Bonney) McGarry, Mary graduated Silver Lake Regional High School in the late 70’s and held many jobs throughout her life, though most dearly in childcare.
Mary had a knack to make fast friends, whether it be in the middle of the grocery store or in the bathroom of a restaurant, she would return with life stories of people she had just met, laughing or giggling along the way. As soon as you met Mary, you knew that she was a champion of people from all walks of life and wanted to serve everyone around her.
This could be found most readily in her care of children. In her life, Mary was a nanny for young children, gave her time in multiple preschool/daycares, and was always willing to lend a hand or go the extra mile if it meant improving the life of a young child. Many friends of Mary’s children considered her a second mother for all the love she gave and time she shared with them.
Mary was the wife of over 37 years to Bruce Gardner and sister to Edward (predeceased), George (predeceased), Dennis, Robert, Paul and James McGarry. Mary leaves behind her husband Bruce, her children Ashley, Bruce Jr., and Chelsea. Also left behind are Ashley’s husband David Sirois, Bruce’s wife Kristina Russo-Gardner, and her grandson Callan Sirois. She is also survived by her brother Dennis and his wife Norma, brother Bob and his wife Deb, brother Paul and wife Sue, and brother Jim and his wife Dawn, and many nieces and nephews.
There will be an hour of visitation starting at 2pm with a ceremony at 3pm on Sunday, February 26th, at Blanchard Funeral Chapel, 666 Plymouth Street (Rte. 58 @ the rotary) Whitman. Immediately following the services, there will be further celebrations of Mary’s life at the Whitman VFW. All are welcome to attend.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Massachusetts Citizens for Children. Donate Here