Stephen Howard Gardner

His work covered a wide spectrum, where he enjoyed helping people and exploring things that brought them together. He graduated from Whittier College with a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration but, later studied at the Culinary Institute of America where he became an expert in classic haute cuisine as well as complicated desserts and elaborately carved fruit. After a number of years working as a chef, amongst other careers, he went back to school to become an X-ray technician. He worked first at hospitals in California and later at Ochsner in Louisiana until his retirement, where his deep kindness helped those who were injured or sick.

He loved to dance and to travel. He met his wife, who he always called ‘his bride’, Donna Rose, on the dance floor. They were lucky enough to explore many parts of the world together and he often said that they were Citizens of the World. They built memories and deepened a shared love of the arts, both visual and performance. He enjoyed turning pens, especially creating them for veterans with the Freedom Pens Project. They both studied and enjoyed playing the cello and piano. They also studied art and painted together for many years, especially with their beloved Tuesday Art Group.

They sang with the St. Peter’s church choir together for many years and saw their shared Catholic faith as a source of deep meaning and love. Stephen served as Secretary for the St. Peter’s Men’s Association and was a member of the Knights of Columbus there. He was involved in many faith communities like Men of St. Joseph and Manresa. He and his wife were involved in a number of church ministries, as well. Together, they were volunteers for the Food Bank for many years, as well as volunteers for the LPO, and at the Saenger and Mahalia Jackson events, as well as other local community groups. They were Maw Maw and Paw Paw at Sister Theresa’s Blue Stand, where they brought art and music and were honored to be part of the family there.

Stephen saw other people with his heart more than his eyes and he reacted with a caring love and support to those in need. His work was part of his life, but a deeper work was that of building a family and a community. He was a loving father and a playful grandfather, ready to roll on the ground with the kids, do pushups, or nod and listen to the older ones.

His friends have said that when you shared a story with Stephen, he was right there with you. His eyes told you he really cared about what you were saying. You did not talk to Steve; he shared with you. If he was in a room with 100 other people and he saw you, he would make a beeline to you and give you his undivided attention. His was a deep, sincere love, seldom seen. So many gatherings with friends ended in a Group Hug!

But while deeply loved and loving, much of the last half a dozen years were fraught. Stephen suffered from Lewy Body Dementia, which tore away pieces of his memory and worse, as the disease progressed. Donna cared for him through these challenging years with a benevolence befitting a saint. He is remembered and loved by many family members and friends who have treasured and admired his generosity of spirit and deep well of kindness. He no longer suffers and has found peace and welcomed into the hereafter with compassion and grace.

Stephen is survived by his loving wife of 23 years, Donna Rose Gardner; children, James (Renee) Gardner, Brian (Naiara) Gardner, Rachael Gardner, Jennifer (David) LeBlanc, John Paul Carpenter, and Kevin Carpenter; grandchildren, Eliot Gardner, Beatrice Gardner, Arianne Gardner, Ethan Gardner, Zachary (Bethany) Crain, Brady (Faith) Crain, Payton (Abbey) Saultz, Brooke (Eyneerd) Rivas, David (Whitney) Leblanc Jr., and great grandchildren, who were blessed to grow up knowing him as their Papa Steve. Stephen also leaves behind his siblings, Geoffrey Gardner, Lee Gardner, and Florence (Charles) Gardner, plus a host of nieces, nephews, friends, and extended family, and his dear aunt Johnnie. Stephen is preceded in death by his parents John & Barbara Seaver Gardner.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 pm until 8:00 pm on Wednesday, May 27, 2026, at the Grace Funeral Home (450 Holy Trinity Drive, Covington). A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:00 am on Thursday, May 28, 2026, at St Peter Catholic Church (125 East 19th Street, Covington, LA). Graveside Services will follow at Saint Joseph Abbey Cemetery.