Joan Schneider Gardner

Mrs. Joan Schneider Gardner, 77, was embraced by the Lord on Saturday, September 28, 2013, surrounded by her loving family. In celebration of her life, visitation will be from 6:00 - 8:00 pm Thursday, October 3, 2013, with a rosary to be recited at 7 pm at Weed-Corley-Fish Funeral Home, 3125 N. Lamar, Austin, TX 78705. A funeral mass will be celebrated at 2:00 pm on Friday, October 4, 2013, at St. Louis Catholic Church, 7601 Burnet Rd, Austin, TX 78757.

Joan was born to Albert and Gladolia Schneider on May 2, 1936, in Wapakoneta, Ohio, where she grew up and graduated from St. Joseph High School. She went on to Good Samaritan School of Nursing in Dayton, Ohio and after graduation, began working as a nurse. In 1957, she married Thomas Edward Gardner and soon began their family together. She spent the next years of her life in Ohio and Michigan, raising and caring for her five children.

In 1975, the family moved from Ohio to Raymondville, TX. After her children graduated from high school, she became the manager of the Raymondville Chamber of Commerce. In 1986, she moved to Austin to be near to her children and grandchildren. There she worked in an administrative position for the Austin Neurological Clinic.

As a devout and passionate Catholic, she was an active member of the Austin Community of Secular Order of Discalced Carmelites and a devoted member of St. Louis Catholic Church.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Thomas Gardner, and sister, Mary Copeland. She is survived by her two brothers, Richard and Joseph Schneider, and her children Becky Murray, Tessie Huff, Tommy and David Gardner, and Susan Parr, in addition to eleven grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, please make memorial gifts to St. Louis Catholic Church or Covenant House Texas.