Irene Ann (Stucko) Gardner (July 20, 1934 – April 12, 2020) In the passing of our mother, Irene Gardner, I would recommend that any sadness should be overwhelmed by the fact she had a wonderfully full life. Irene was preceded in death by her husband, Robert and her grandson, Justin. She is survived by her three children, Brian, Melissa, Eric (Donna) and her grandchildren, Amanda Sellitti, Amy Gaster (Josef), Michael Gardner, Nicholas Gardner, Kelly Gardner, Jenna Wimmer (Alexander)(great grandbaby-due June), and Stephen Gardner. Both she and our Father lived more full lives than their parents, and well beyond their own expectations of this life. Our mother found peace towards the end and went to the Father of all in peace. For her, what she leaves behind is nothing compared to what she is going to. Key things in her life: She was a Catholic school ’kid’ The youngest of Nine children in Brooklyn, New York Mother of Three [whom all have master’s degrees – reflecting her love of school] Grandmother to Eight [a mix that get along wonderfully well] Earned a Bachelor’s in Social Sciences – later in life Teacher - South Fork High School, Florida, and Central Islip, NY. Married to Bob Gardner for 65+ years Always was acting to keep the extended Family together Enjoyed ‘Get-aways’, weekends one-two day ‘jaunts’ – pretty much anywhere.

Our mother always had a passion for debate. She was eternally curious and loved to meet new people and see new things. She never expected that she and my Dad would travel to Italy, France, Oberammergau, and to see where her mother grew up in the Ukraine [now a part of Poland] spending time with family there somehow managing not speaking the language! Since her husband could work magic with home repairs – there were projects in every one of the many houses they owned [Dad knew much more than just his trade as an electrician, he worked magic with each house]. Mom particularly liked gardening… Which did they have more of – houses or Dogs! They loved and spoiled their dogs… their front lawn is even now strewn with dog toys! One of their trips together was to an Indian Reservation to see the Looking Horse family in South Dakota, after corresponding for years. That was just one of them many, many, many Christian things they did as a couple. They assisted at St Mary’s in East Islip in the Marriage preparation ministry for years. They welcomed into their home to many who needed a place to stay, they volunteered at a great number of organizations and, they were always there to support their children and grandchildren. Our mother enjoyed politics – she watched a great deal of news, and had very firm opinions about a vast assortment of issues. A basic curiosity motivated her, and a passion for justice. Her fun was in dancing and travel. … our parents had a good deal of fun. Ice-skating, drives out east, New Year’s Eve out, Rocking Horse Ranch, and boating on the Great South Bay. The “Senior Prom” held at Islip schools each year… They entertained often over the years – and games, jokes, challenges of all sorts could be part of any gathering. Our mother was never one for ‘sitting around’. She can now finally rest from a full life of teaching, sharing and loving. Our memories of her are many, and alive in children, grandchildren and friends.

Church of St. Mary Parish Social Ministry - Parish Outreach 20 Harrison Avenue East Islip, NY 11730