Eunice G. Gardiner

Eunice began life on September 14, 1928 in Providence, RI. She was the second child born to William and Ida (Jalbert) Maille. Eunice had five siblings; Elaine, Gilbert, Yvette, Patricia, and William Jr. She had a happy childhood despite living through the Great Depression (1929-1939) in part because father William managed a grocery store so the family always had plenty to eat. They moved to Victory Street in Cranston. Fast forward to high school at Cranston West High School. Eunice became a majorette and mastered the art of baton twirling. Her school mates nicknamed her "Kitty". After graduation Eunice was hired by Blue Cross/Blue shield Insurance Company in Providence where she worked for approximately two years. During that time she met Norman "Gus" Gardiner. The man was a maverick. Over the years he would undertake many different endeavors including; owning and flying his own plane, building homes from the ground up by himself, cabinet and furniture making, wood carving, oil paintings, and building intricate miniature towns. Gus at the time, was in the Merchant Marines. His family owned a farm in southern Rhode Island. He built a home for them down the road from the farm and they married and moved in and had children. Eunice was a city girl but moved to the country and left her parents and way of life for Gus. Over the years she never wavered in her loyalty to her husband. Their first son, Norman E. Jr. now lives in Coos Bay, Oregon and is a retired truck driver. Carol A. is retired after 16 years with the Clark County School District and has lived in Las Vegas, NV for 25 years. Thomas A. has been employed for many years with the United States Postal Service and resides in Louisville, Kentucky. David B.retired from construction, works for the Albuquerque Transit System, and lives in Rio Rancho, New Mexico. In 1960 the couple decided to move to Albuquerque, NM where they lived with their children for four years. In 1965 they moved back to Rhode Island and settled in North Kingstown. The children grew and it was a happy time. In the summer of 1971 they moved back to New Mexico with their two youngest children. Daughter Carol stayed in RI. Oldest son Norm Jr. had moved from the family home previously. LIfe in Albuquerque was happy while Gus and Eunice developed land in the Jemez Mountains. Their two younger sons grew, graduated from high school, married, and moved away. In 1980 Eunice and Gus moved to Boulder City, NV where they retired and lived for 27 years. Gus, sadly, passed away in 2007 from a long-term illness. Eunice moved in with her daughter Carol shortly after Gus' death. Between Carol and son David, they took care of their mother for nine years. In November, 2015, Eunice began her journey home to heaven when she was diagnosed with lung cancer. For eight months she was relatively pain-free. On July 20 God called her home to be with her loving husband Gus. Dear Mom: Your children miss you and have a hole in their hearts that can never be filled. You were strict and tough when you had to be but always kind and loving. We love you Mom. Please watch over us from heaven. Your children, Norm Carol Tom David