Jean F. Gardner
Jean Frances Gardner, wife of the late John (Jack) Gardner, died peacefully on October 14, 2021 at her home in Jupiter, Florida.
Jean was born on November 20, 1929 to Victor and Agnes Kriss, and raised in Larchmont, NY. She attended Mamaroneck High School and went on to receive her college degree at Good Counsel College in White Plains, NY.
She was united in Holy Matrimony on February 8, 1958, to John (Jack) Gardner of New Rochelle, NY, who predeceased her on July 2, 2007, just shy of their 50th anniversary. Jean’s passing occurred on Jack’s birthday, which they celebrated together in Heaven with their son, Dennis, who died shortly after his birth in 1964.
Her life will forever be cherished in the lives of her 7 devoted children and 13 loving grandchildren: Mary Ellen Kavanewsky (Stephen) of Jupiter, Florida and children Adam, Kendall and Mitchell; Colleen Williams (Robert) of Jupiter, FL and their children Cailin, Robert and Chloe; John (Karen) of Pelham Manor, NY and their children Anna, John, Shannon and Patrick; Michael of Norwalk, CT and his daughters Sophie and Charlotte; Linda of Greenwich, CT; Christine of Cos Cob, CT; and Kevin (Amy) of Plymouth, MA and their son, Rian.
Jean and Jack raised their 7 children in Larchmont, NY and Greenwich, CT, where they were active members of their Catholic churches - Saints John and Paul and Saint Michael’s, respectively. They were also longtime members of the Larchmont Shore Club.
Jean’s faith was strong and she was a daily communicant for much of her adult life. Anyone with a prayer request knew she was the one to call, and she gladly added another name to the already extensive prayer list.
Jean was happiest when she was around her family and selflessly devoted her life to them. She loved to share that she’d had her first 5 children in only 3 years. She enjoyed endless patience, and truly loved the role of mom to each of the seven.
For many years after her children moved out of the house, she maintained her proud tradition of hosting a family Sunday dinner, which kept growing as spouses and grandchildren were added. In addition to a wonderful dinner and family banter, everyone was certain to get her famous chocolate chip cookies or cheesecake for dessert. Many guests had the privilege of joining this famous weekly dinner, often becoming targets of the family’s sharp-witted personalities. Her children and their families continue to be close today, in part because of the loving bonding enjoyed as part of this tradition.
Jean was proud of volunteering twice a week at Greenwich Hospital for almost 20 years, logging over 6000 hours of service. Before her retirement, she was honored with their Presidential Award.
In addition to her children and grandchildren, Jean will be missed by her beloved siblings, including her sisters Eleanor Dilger and Rita Franz, of N. Myrtle Beach, SC, and her brother John Kriss (Sandy) of Surfside, CA, as well as her many cherished nieces and nephews in the Falvey, Dilger and Franz families. Jean’s sister Gwenyth Kriss, formerly of Scarsdale, NY, predeceased her.
There will be a funeral Mass at 10am on November 13th at St. Michael the Archangel in Greenwich, CT followed by a Christian burial at St. Mary’s Cemetery. leopgallaghergreenwich.com