Marie Gardiner, 91, of Allegan went to be with her Lord and Savior Saturday, Oct. 22, 2016, at her home.
Mrs. Gardiner was born in Clinton Township on July 21, 1925, the daughter of the late Bert and Winnie (Bunker) VanBusKirk. She married the love of her life Earl Gardiner on March 3, 1943, and they were happily married until Earl's passing in 2007.
Marie and Earl were blessed with two children, Doug and Linda, creating many cherished memories. The Gardiner family was one of unity, which Marie in-stilled. She helped to build a strong family unit where love, time spent with one another and activities done together brought much laughter and joy to her family.
Marie spent 19 years as a waitress working at Ruby's in downtown Allegan bringing a smile to everyone she encountered. She enjoyed being around people and being a part of everything.
She was a member of the Red Hatters, loved to go to the casino and enjoyed playing cards. Her activities kept her young at heart.
Marie will be missed greatly by those that are surviving; her daughter-in-law Lynn; her grandchildren, Christa and Carl Braun, Joe Gardiner and Craig Gardiner, Deb Gardiner; six great-grandchildren, Chase, Kinslea, Kailyn, Carly, Lindsey and Zach; three great-great-grandchildren, Reagan, Leo and Joe; sister-in-law Shirley VanBusKirk; and many friends that she has met along life's journey.
She was preceded in death by her husband Earl; son Doug; daughter Linda; great-grandson Clayton; three brothers, Claude, Leo and Chuck; and her sister Grace.
Friends may meet with the family on Thursday, Oct. 27, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Gorden Funeral Residence, Allegan Chapel, where the rosary will be recited at 6 p.m. Mass of Christian burial will be Friday, Oct. 28, at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, the Rev. Father Ben Huynh, celebrant. Interment will be at Hudson Corners Cemetery, Allegan Township.
Memorial donations may be made in Marie's name to Wings of Hope Hospice, 530 Linn St., Allegan, Michigan 49010 and Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, 110 N. Cedar Street, Allegan, MI 49010.
Arrangements are being provided by Gorden Funeral Residence, Allegan Chapel, www.gordenfuneral.com.
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