Mary Gardner

Our mom was the second eldest of eight children. Charles, Grace, Rose, Paul,Frank,Louise,and John Borg. Daughter of Anthony and Concetta Borg. She helped raise her sisters and brothers while still being a young girl herself.

She met our dad, Virgil Gardner at a dance, held for our servicemen during World War II. They were married soon after in Seattle .

Being a newly wed bride and soon pregnant with their first child Virginia was very hard on mom, especially when she didn’t get to see dad for at least two and half years later.

Soon after Dad came home from serving in the Army,mom was pregnant with their son Virgil.

Life was good for Mom, but got even better when she was blessed with five Grandchildren. Mitchell, Kelly, Concetta, Kerrie and Corey. They brought more joy in moms life than she could ever imagine.

She was our Rock, always there to cheer us on, to give advice when asked, praying continuously for us, feeding us with delicious meals even when we weren’t really hungry. Her refrigerator was always full and waiting for company. There was always a special jar, or drawer in the kitchen filled with goodies waiting for anyone of us that was visiting. She had such an astonishing memory, she remembered what each one of us liked and made sure it was there for us at anytime . Never forgetting any of our birthdays with a gift.

She also loved all her great grandchildren, and Great Great GrandChildren. Especially her oldest Lauren who she helped raise. Mom recently flew all the way to Texas at 101 years old to see her get married. We were all so proud of her, just another selfless gift that she gave to her family.

She also had a very special love for her four legged family Pet KC . Her dog was her constant companion who she loved so very much. She talked with her, played catch with her and boy oh boy did she brush her everyday.

Our mom was kind, and loving to us all. She was honest, very wise, patient, and always looked like a Million bucks when she went out.

Mom worked many years for Gardner Construction as their receptionist and bookkeeper. It’s amazing how much mom could learn when she never even got to graduate from High School. Dad and my Brother depended on her business skills so much. The business thrived because of her.

Mom’s favorite passion was shopping and going to church with her sister Louise. These two sisters went everywhere together. They never missed a day without talking with each other and even if they didn’t always agree they never ever argued.

I was so proud of their relationship, it was an inspiration to all of us. In fact all the sisters and brothers and their wives and husbands did the same.

Another amazing inspiration to all of us was mom’s devotion to Jesus Christ. Her mornings started with prayer and her evenings ended with prayer.

No matter where she was or how late it was she never forgot her devotionals. And we all benefited from them.

My brother and I were blessed with a very special Lady that came into moms life just a few years ago. We both would like to express how much we love and appreciated everything Julieta Wood did to make our mothers life so much more enjoyable. Mom loved you and so do we. I know you will miss her as much as we will. You were our Angel.

Mom was survived by her loving Children, Daughter Virginia McDonald,(Jerry), Son Virgil Gardner(Kimberly Bryce) Her Brother John Borg(Liz) and many Grandchildren, Great Grandchildren, Great Great Grandchildren , Nieces and Nephews.

The McDonald and Gardner Family wishes to express their appreciation for your kindness during their bereavement and for your attendance at the services.

A rosary and funeral mass for Mary will be held Monday, March 20, 2023 at 12:00 PM at Saint Lawrence the Martyr Catholic Parish, 1971 St Lawrence Dr., Santa Clara, CA 95051. Interment to follow at Santa Clara Mission Cemetery, 490 Lincoln St, Santa Clara, CA 95050. A reception following at the American Legion Post 419, 958 Homestead Road, Santa Clara, California 95051.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.limafamilysantaclara.com for the Gardner family.