Mary T. Gardner

Mary Theresa Gardner passed away on July 16, 2021. Born in 1927 in Woodside, New York, Mary was predeceased by her parents, Joseph and Mary E. Gardner. Her sister, Eileen DiPetto, remained her best friend, travel mate and confidante until Eileen’s early passing in 2002.

Aunt Mary received her undergraduate degree from Saint John's followed by a master’s degree in nursing from Hunter College. She was proud to be “masters prepared” and always encouraged her nieces and nephews to pursue education.

Aunt Mary joined the Veteran's Administration hospital nursing staff after graduation and spent her career there. She was proud to be a government employee. Her capabilities and integrity resulted in a rise to “Directress” of Nursing. She was tapped to manage the nursing service at several hospitals around the country. In addition to the NYC VA, her assignments included California, Wilkes Barre and Tampa. She shared these adventures with her mother, Grandma Gardner, whom she cared for until her death.

Aunt Mary was a “career girl” way before there was such a notion. This served her well, supporting her comfortably as a “single individual”. She enjoyed following the stock market and making modest investments in blue chip companies.

Aunt Mary retired to Largo, Florida where she was a parishioner at St. Jerome’s Roman Catholic Church and a good friend of Gloria Nunley and Cindy Pfeiffer. She was a devout and pious Catholic for her entire life. She loved to travel, shop the outlets and play bridge. She made several trips to heritage counties in Ireland and kissed the Blarney Stone. At Lakeview of Largo, she liked to “flop around” the pool, which meant that, well into her seventies, she could tread water for more than 30 minutes.

Aunt Mary will be dearly missed by her nieces and nephews: Christopher DiPetto, Mary Detres, Patricia Rodilosso, Nancy Tunis and John DiPetto. Patty and Aunt Mary shared a special friendship and devotion throughout the years. Great Aunt Mary also leaves an extended family of in laws, great nieces and nephews. All were blessed to know this remarkable woman.

A Mass of Christian Burial and interment at Calvary Cemetery in Woodside, NY will be scheduled in September 2021.