Obituary of Shirley J. Gardner

Shirley J. Gardner, 87, of the High Rise Apartments, went home to be with her Lord in the early quiet hours of Saturday morning, with loving family at her side. Born in Amsterdam on Sept. 8, 1920, she was the daughter of Homer and Louise Cook Brown. She was a 1939 graduate of the former Wilbur H. Lynch High School. Early, during World War II, Shirley worked for a time for the Harrower Manufacturing Company making blankets for the war effort. Shirley was a home maker, and resided with her parents and her own family in the same house in Fort Johnson for many years, moving to Amsterdam in 1971. She was an active member of the Ft. Johnson PTA and the former Grace Methodist Church. Later she was a member of the Sir William Johnson Seniors and Post 701 American Legion Auxiliary. She always was there for her family, and loved being together with them, even now as they became five generations. A loving woman, Shirley was well known for her dry sense of humor, and love of animals. She recently attended the Perth Bible Church. Her beloved husband, Ernest Gardner, whom she married on June 4, 1949, predeceased her on March 4, 1996. Also she lost a brother, Lowell Brown and her dear grandson, Kevin M. Boisvert. Her loving family includes her children; Elaine Roger Boisvert, Phyliss George Pacifico all of Amsterdam; and Bruce Susan Gardner of Latham; six grandchildren, nine great grandchildren and two great-great grandchildren also survive. Shirley was anticipating the arrival shortly of a new great-great granddaughter. A service to honor her will take place on Tuesday at 7:00 pm at the Betz, Rossi & Bellinger Family Funeral Home, 171 Guy Park Avenue. Pastor Roger Ellison, officiating. Relatives and friends are invited and may call Tuesday prior to the service from 4-7 pm. Interment will take place Wednesday at the convenience of the family at Fairview Cemetery. Contributions may be made in Shirley's name to Keeper Rescue, 163 Hartley Road, Amsterdam, NY 12010, because of her love of animals. Please mail to the funeral home office.