Mrs. Marjorie Dorothy Gardner

Born June 28, 1928, the fourth child of Francis and Alice MacDonald, Marjorie grew up in Jamaica Plane, Massachusetts. She was brought up Catholic and attended parochial school through 8th grade and her faith was important to her.

Having been raised with five siblings: four sisters Mary (who passed away shortly after birth), Betty, Rita, Sally and two Brothers Danny and Bobby, Marjorie was usually involved in all sorts of activities with her family. She and her siblings experienced rivalries typical of a growing family and they shared many of life’s experiences together.

As a young girl, Marjorie had a number of interests. Like most children, she enjoyed playing and making up games. She was curious about the world around her and was often eager to explore it. Marjorie was an active child who took part in horseback riding in full riding gear. In her spare time she liked ice skating and sled riding. However, to Marjorie, the most fun to be had was simply spending time with her friends playing.

Marjorie Dorothy Gardner was a modest woman; quiet, trustworthy and observant in her way. She was traditional in her approach to life and friendships. Her tough-minded with the kind of “stick to it” attitude earned the respect of all who knew her. Always considered a “good” friend to those she knew, Marjorie was quite shy with acquaintances and had only several very close friends during her lifetime. She always maintained a very close relationship with her Sister Rita Lamont. Other best friends included Barbie Nelson and Mary Debonese. Later in life she became good friends with Harriet Keene and her family.

At the age of 21 she met a charming young sailor at a dance named Robert George Gardner. Soon they eloped. The wedding took place in Niagara Falls, New York on March 31, 1950. She was blessed with four children: Kathy Colleen Gardner of Stanton, Deborah Anne McGuire of Huntington Beach, Steven Anthony Gardner of Stanton and Patricia Grace Elliott of Mission Viejo. Her love and support for her children was unwavering. Another blessing for Marjorie was the gift of two grandsons, in which her spirit lives on in their hearts, Briley Martin Elliott and Robert Trent Elliott. Marjorie was an empathic, loyal and very loving wife and mother and was devoted to making her family happy and she strived to do her best to fulfill their needs.

Marjorie had an impact on the lives of those who were fortunate to know her. She worked at the family owned bakeries which were located in Stanton, Anaheim and Buena Park, CA. Those who met her would say she had a great heart of gold and would never have spoken a bad word about anyone. Sadly, Marjorie lost her husband of 34 years, Robert Gardner in 1985 and she never loved another. He was the love of her life. They were often seen together at local organizations that they were involved in such as The American Legion, Lion’s Club and the Boy’s Club to name a few.

Marjorie also loved animals and cherished her pets. One of her favorites was a Poodle named Autumn who was her best friends for 14 years. Other favorite pets included a Shephard/Dalmation mix named Bimbo, a Poodle named Sissy, and several cats. A white cat named Zachary, a gray and white cat called Mish Mish and most currently a gray cat named Kitty all kept her company over the years. While her children were young the home was always filled with their own little pets. And, bless her heart, she would also make sure to leave food outside for cats that didn’t have a home.

Marjorie enjoyed her leisure time by taking part in various hobbies. One of her favorite pursuits was taking care of her rose garden. The deep red ones were her favorites. She would proudly display them in vases and sometimes in recycled jelly jars. Marjorie enjoyed games (especially those of chance) like Bingo, Black Jack and coaxing nickels out of “one-armed bandits.” She enjoyed always being up on current events as she read the newspaper every day from cover to cover. Marjorie was also somewhat of a sports fan and she sometimes found pleasure in watching sports on the television. A top on her list was the Los Angeles Lakers. She especially loved watching horse racing, never missing the annual Kentucky Derby.

Marjorie always enjoyed taking a vacation. It gave her a chance to renew, relax and visit many new places and to experience new things. Some of her favorite vacations included visiting her large family on the east coast, Las Vegas, Mexican cruises and Florida which were often accompanied by her devoted sister Rita Lamont.

Marjorie passed away peacefully into the arms of the Angels on July 3, 2010, at home, with her devoted daughter Kathy by her side. She was 82 years old. Her final days were spent surrounded by her family and friends and she demonstrated such courage as she reminded us of the preciousness of life. Touching the lives of so many, she leaves behind a legacy of life-long friendships and so many cherished memories. Everyone whose life she touched will never forget her gentle soul and that beautiful smile. A smile that brought so much joy to those she shared it with. Simply stated, Marjorie was a good and kind person. She was an individual who will be remembered by her family and friends as being a loving, caring and giving person; someone who was a vital part of their lives.

The service to honor Marjorie’s memory will be held on Friday, July 16, 2010 at 12:00 noon in the Westminster Memorial Park Main Chapel. Arrangements under the direction of Westminster Memorial Park, 14801 Beach Blvd. Westminster, CA 92683. (714) 893-2421