Shirley Elizabeth Gardiner

October 24, 1922 - December 24, 2012

Shirley Elizabeth Gardiner

October 24, 1922 - December 24, 2012

Obituary

Shirley Elizabeth Gardiner

Shirley (Grandma Shirley) passed away at St Joseph Hospital on December 24th after a sudden onset illness. Shirley was born October 24, 1922 and grew up in Lowell, Massachusetts, daughter of Frank and Mary Agnes Webb. She had two brothers; Jackson and Chapin, and three sisters; Marjorie, June, and Beverly.

After completing high school, she attended beauty school in Boston. She had a hairdresser position at Fort Devins, MA where she met the love of her life, Bill Gardiner in 1946. She came to Washington State after receiving a special phone call and they were married in 1947, Daddy Bill passed away in 1979.

She is survived by her sisters June Callahan of Lowell and Beverly Begley of North Chelmsford, brother Frank Chapin Webb of Tyngsboro, MA and sons Allen (Barbara), Frank (Jean), Bill (Joan), Ron (Mardele). She adored and was very proud of each and every one of her 10 grandchildren, and 8 great grandchildren. Lowell Higley has been her best friend for many years.

She worked as a hairdresser in shops including the Pink Door and the Hair Do in Ferndale for many years. She loved to push the lawn mower, pick her apples and blueberries and tend her rose bushes. She always had a smile and a compliment for everyone she met and she sure could tell a story! Shirley met her goal to celebrate her 90th birthday on October 24, 2012. She was a member of the United Church of Ferndale and firm in her faith.

Farewell Tribute Information

Please join us with your stories at her Celebration of Life on January 5, 2013 at 2:00 PM at The United Church of Ferndale. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The United Church. Donations Information

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The United Church.

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10 responses to Shirley Elizabeth Gardiner

  1. My condolences to Allen, Frank, Bill, Ron and extended family. As a boy growing up in the neighborhood, Shirley was a true matriarch. She exhibited a strong work ethic, particularly in her yard and garden(which we occasionally raided for a stalk of fresh rhubarb). Even in recent years, it was no surprise to see her mowing the lawn with a walk behind mower. I’ll always remember her evening bell tolling to say -boys, it’s time to stop your play and come in for dinner. Her life represented the strong community values we shared. I’m grateful for her time & influence in our neighborhood.

  2. Grandma Shirley was such a fantastic Grandma and Great-Grandma! Your spirit and spunk made all of us smile every time we got together.
    Thank you Grandma for the amazing memories! Your life was truly wondrous!

    Love always!

    Jason, Chancellor, and Jackson

  3. Dear Frank, Allen, Bill, Ron and Families, I’m thinking of you and sending my love and sympathy. Your Mom was a great lady! Love Judy

  4. We send our prayers at this difficult time to the families of Shirley Gardiner. When we first came to Ferndale 1959 Bill and Shirley helped a couple of young kids get started at Ferndale Drug, for that we will always be grateful. Walt and Donna Pollman

  5. Rita Perry says:

    Please accept my sympathy to the loving Family & Friends in the sorrowful loss of your dear Shirley. She touched so many lives and will be sorely missed by all she met along the way. May I offer the following Bible Verses so that you may have comfort,hope & peace. in the Bible Verses that follow. Isaiah25:8 “HE WILL ACTUALLY SWALLOW UP DEATH FOREVER AND THE SOVEREIGN LORD JEHOVAH WILL CERTAINLY WIPE THE TEARS FROM ALL FACES”

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