After fighting beautifully and lovingly with metastatic breast cancer for 4 years, “Lovely Leilani” Lisa transitioned peacefully, surrounded by family, on July 1, 2021. She began her journey in this world on the 21st day of January 1964 in Santa Cruz California at Dominican Hospital. She is the fourth of five children born to John and Lueen Gardner.
She graduated from Aptos High School and attended college at BYU Hawaii. She was fortunate enough to stay in contact with high school friends Grace and Aimee as well as Ingrid, whom she met during her time in Hawaii.
Growing up in the beach town of Aptos, CA, Lisa cultivated a strong connection and love for Mother Ocean. One of her favorite pastimes was going to Northern California and beach-combing for sea glass, shells, pebbles, and driftwood. Trips back to Aptos and Santa Cruz always included stops at Pizza My Heart, Gayle’s Bakery, and the Pacific Cookie Company.
Lisa recounted many times that one of the most fulfilling things in her life was her pregnancy and becoming a mother to her only child, Jessica. Nurturing and loving came natural to Lisa.
Always quick to help those in need, she was known for her generosity and service to others.
Lisa loved music. It seemed she knew the words to every song, no matter the genre. Her favorite was songs from the seventies and eighties, with a sweet spot for Steve Perry’s band, Journey.. Lisa enjoyed making playlist of the favorite songs of her friends and family.
Lisa had mad crocheting skills and enjoyed working on large projects, such as baskets and afghans. She enjoyed staying connected to friends on Facebook and posting images and quotes.
She will always be remembered as a kind and gentle soul who attracted others with her bright smile and cheerful outlook. Even at the end of her earthly journey, Lisa maintained her sweet sense of humor; responding to caregivers with playful replies or a knowing wink of her eye. Throughout her physical struggle, she uplifted those around her.
Supporting Lisa was her daughter Jessica, her “grandbabies,” Sam, Evalynn, and Oliver, her siblings Paul, Susan, Bryan, and Traci along with many nieces and nephews and dear friends who adored her, as she did them. Another great source of strength and support is her dog, Journey, who provided so much comfort and love to her when she was feeling sick and emotionally low.
She was greeted in light by her parents (Lueen and John Gardner), her niece (Kyra Sunshine Scarlet) as well as many other family members who have passed on.
Our family would love to express our deepest gratitude for Dr. John Ward and “Rosie” Conder along with the rest of Lisa’s amazing oncology team at the Huntsman Cancer Institute. We also express gratitude and love to Susan, Lisa’s hospice nurse, and the exceptional care of Community Nursing Services as well as the caregivers at Danville Support Services.
Funeral services will be held at the LDS meetinghouse, 2125 East Evergreen Avenue, Salt Lake City, Utah 84109, on Wednesday July 7th 2021 at 11:00 am. There will be viewings on Tuesday night July 6th, 2021 at 6:00 to 8:00 pm as well as Wednesday July 7th 2021 at 9:30 to 10.30 am at the LDS meeting house.
Internment will be at Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park, 3401 South Highland Drive, Millcreek, Utah 84106.
