Maria E. Gardner

She graduated from Horace Mann High School in Gary, Indiana in 1969. Soon after she enlisted in the U.S.Navy. She was stationed in San Diego, California. Upon her service completion she married Victor Gardner who also completed his service with the U.S. Marines. They moved to Victor’s hometown of Birmingham, Alabama. They were blessed with the birth of their two daughters Melissa Renee and Stephanie Brooke.

Maria began her formal education and received her Bachelor of Science in Education with a minor Spanish from the University of Alabama, Birmingham. She began her career in education as a Special Education Teacher in the Birmingham Public School System.

Maria continued her career with the Houston Independent School District when she relocated to Houston, Texas with her daughters. This is where she met and married Paul Perry. She continued her education and received a Masters of Education in Mid-Management from the University of Houston/Clear Lake and soon after she earned her second Masters of Education in School Counseling from Sam Houston State University.

Maria’s passion for education was evident in her accomplished career as a Spanish/English Special Education teacher, Bilingual Specialist, Bilingual Supervisor, Career Counselor, and Assistant Principal at Chavez High School. Maria retired at the age of 60, however, her light continued to shine bright after retirement as she continued to work and share her expertise. She held positions in the Houston Community College, Harris County Department of Education, Catholic Archdiocese Schools, and the Houston Independent School District until Spring of 2024 at the age of 73.

Maria leaves behind her husband Paul Perry, daughters Melissa Espinoza (Leo), Stephanie Gardner, grandsons Logan and Justin, two sisters Manuela and Bernice, a brother Jose, and a host of nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her parents Esteban and Antonia, her sister Josefina and her brother Steve.

Your life was a blessing, your memory a treasure.

You are loved beyond words and missed beyond measure - Renee Wood