Kathleen (Kathi) René Gardner
Kathleen (Kathi) René Gardner, beloved mother, wife, sister, and friend, passed away at her home on Friday, August 25th, 2023, at 68 years old. She is survived by her husband of 43 years, George Gardner, and her two daughters, Meagan Gardner, and Danielle Gardner (with significant other, Larri Trujillo). She is also survived by her siblings and their spouses: Jackie and Tom Petersen, Shelly and Dave Melton, Bob Keenan, and Teresa Breeden; her niece, Lisa Hudston and spouse, Jonathan; nephew, Mike Petersen; and grand-nephew, Luke and grand-niece, Lily.
Kathi was born, raised, and attended schools in Los Alamos, NM. She had many hobbies, including reading and volunteering around the Los Alamos community. She graduated with a bachelor’s degree in psychology from UNM in 1977. During the summers of college, she was a camp counselor at The Beacon Lodge Camp for the Blind in Mount Union, PA – a summer camp for adults and children who were blind, deaf, and had special needs. This is where she met George Gardner, a fellow camp counselor. They fell in love, and after graduation, George followed Kathi back to NM. Kathi was a rehabilitation teacher for the blind in Santa Fe and enjoyed making a difference in people’s lives.
George and Kathi married in 1980 in Los Alamos and started their life together in Rio Rancho. They had two daughters, Meagan, and Danielle. Kathi began her career as a trusted home daycare provider, something she would do for 30 years. She cared for over 300 children and was considered to be a loving second mom to hundreds of families.
Kathi truly enjoyed being with people. Nothing made her happier than being with friends and family, being a key member of a hot air balloon crew and traveling with George. She also had a great time whenever she was with her siblings, whom she considered her close friends.
Kathi and George had a strong and remarkable marriage full of love. They loved their girls. Kathi was a devoted mother and was her girls’ biggest cheerleader of their careers and lives. She was Meagan’s and Danielle’s best friend, and they loved talking with her and spending time with her. The Gardner’s were so close and supportive as a family and truly loved being together. Kathi was a wonderful mother and person, and she will be missed by all who knew her.
A celebration of Kathi’s life will be held Saturday, September 9, 2023, at 10:00 a.m., FRENCH – Westside with a reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Beacon Lodge (www. beaconlodge.org). Please visit our online guestbook to read Kathi’s full obituary at www.FrenchFunerals.com.