Mary Ellen Gardner

Born in Washington DC November 27, 1935 to the late Joseph N Curtin and Helen Mary Curtin, she attended Saint Martin’s elementary and St. Patrick’s Academy High schools. She married the late Donald Warren Gardner Sr in 1960 and relocated to Annapolis, Maryland. There she began a life of raising seven children making fast friends in the St. Mary’s parish where she sang in the choir, the LAOH and the Fleet Reserve.

She worked in several industries, most notably, the Maryland general assembly for 30 years serving in the Senate finance committee and communications. She loved the beach and always found an excuse to go to Ocean City, MD, Wildwood, New Jersey and her beloved home in Fenwick Island, Delaware.

A lifelong love of Washington sports, particularly The Redskins, brought her to many home and away games to her favorite cities. She loved travel and visited Israel, Europe and of course Her beloved Ireland, where she organized many trips for family and friends.

Meg was honored in 2013 by becoming the first Grand Marshal of the St. Patrick’s Day parade held in Annapolis. She enjoyed dining out, visiting her children at the many restaurants where they would work.

With a generous spirit, she gave to many charitable organizations and opened her home to countless friends and family. She will be remembered for her strong Catholic faith, and love for her family.

She is survived by her brother Joseph Nicholas Curtin(Peggy), her sisters, Rita Duvall, and Kathleen Crowley(Daniel )her sons, Donald W Gardner Jr. (Melissa) Andrew Gardner, Martin Gardner(Michelle), Michael Gardner. Daughters Melanie Marchi, Tara Stracke(Tony) and Marla George(David). Nine (9) grandchildren including Ellen, Charlie, Jaime, Jack, Joshua, Josie, Jessica, Patrick and Molly. Also many nieces ,nephews and cousins.