Mary J. Gardiner

Mary Joan Cecelia Hickey Gardiner, long-time resident of Norwalk, loving wife of the late Thomas J. Gardiner, passed away on March 23, 2021. Her sudden departure was surprising, even at 92, as she maintained the highest level of independence and strength until her final day. Her family and friends are comforted that she passed the way she wanted, and is now able to reunite with her beloved husband, whom she missed so dearly over the last four years.

“Nana”, to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, was born in 1928 on December 12th and grew up in the Bronx.

She met her beloved TJ through a neighborhood friend (who ultimately became her cherished sister-in-law, Betty Ann). They married in 1949 and built a life first in NY and then in Norwalk CT where she happily resided for 67 years.

As a young woman, she worked in Manhattan as an executive secretary and knew NYC better than most. Even in her nineties, a yearly trek to see the Christmas tree in Rockefeller Center was a must. She loved a good Broadway show and enjoyed the food and atmosphere at many a NY restaurant. Even after 67 years in Connecticut, she still had a bit of a NY accent.

One of Mary’s greatest accomplishments was her long-time service as administrative assistant at Our Lady of Fatima School in Wilton, CT. Our Lady of Fatima School opened in September of 1962 with Mary as their original secretary. Her 44 years of service was celebrated at her retirement in 2006. She loved seeing and knowing the school’s families and students and the strong relationships she established with her co-workers continued until her passing.

Her undying dedication to the Catholic Church, included not only attending regular mass at St. Philips Church where she was one of the parish founding families but volunteering her services at Our Lady of Fatima Church as well. Church membership and participation was a source of tremendous pride for her.

In addition to an impressive international travel history and a love for shopping, she loved to “fuss” over holidays, birthdays, and special occasions. . She never missed anyone’s birthday and cards and gifts from her were routine. She could cook a rib roast to perfection at Christmas, and at most family gatherings, she was usually spotted helping in the kitchen as she was a great cook.

Nana was always the most well-dressed woman in the room, with an impressive collection of shoes and jewelry. Her style and presence commanded respect. She loved to party with her family – and she certainly was the life of the party. She exemplified living life to the fullest and her positive attitude was truly inspiring – anytime you asked her how she was she would reply “never better”.

She is survived by her beloved children, son Michael Gardiner (Debbie) and daughter Jo-Ann Marron (Dennis). She will so fondly be remembered by her grandchildren, Dana Sullivan, Brian Gardiner, Kevin Gardiner (Mauricia), and Tara Murad (Stephan). She was a great-grandmother to Carter, Brody, and Nolan Sullivan, Cade and Ava Gardiner, Isabella and Benmont Gardiner, and Cameron and Adelyn Murad.  In addition to her immediate family, she kept in regular touch with extended family - nieces, nephews and cousins - in Florida, Georgia, New Jersey and Oklahoma. At 90, she joined Facebook to keep up with her family’s whereabouts. She spent many happy summer vacations with her family in Groton Long Point and Cape Cod.

A very special thank you to the kind, thoughtful community of Esquire Road whom she spoke of constantly; who cared for her as a favorite neighbor, and who were there on her final day.

A funeral mass will be held on April 6 ^th at 10:00 a.m. at St. Philip’s Church. After which her ashes will be laid to rest next to Thomas at St. John’s Cemetery. In an effort to keep everyone safe, please wear a mask and maintain social distance while in attendance.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her name to Our Lady of Fatima School in Wilton, CT or to St. Philip’s Church, Norwalk, CT.