Mary H. Gardiner
Mary Helen (Desmond) Gardiner, 76, of Sioux City, Iowa, passed away unexpectedly on Monday, February 23, 2015. Services were held at 11 a.m. Monday, March 2, at First Presbyterian Church in Sioux City with Dr. Rev. Tom Murray officiating and Rev. Katie Whipple assisting. Interment was in the Logan Park Cemetery.
Mary was born on February 1, 1939, to William and Helen (Brem) Desmond in Yankton, South Dakota. She attended Yankton High School and was a varsity cheerleader for the Yankton Bucks. She graduated in 1957 and continued her education at the University of South Dakota. She was an enthusiastic member of the Kappa Alpha Theta sorority and received her Certificate of Elementary Education. She taught first-grade in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. In April of 1961 she married G.R. “Jerry” Gardiner. Mary and Jerry resided in Sioux City, transferred to the Chicago area, but eventually returned home to Sioux City. Mary was extremely proud of her two children, Gigi and GR. She was involved in numerous organizations: Neptune Swim Club, PTA, West High Booster Club, the Sioux City Symphony, Junior League, Bard of Avon Book Club, EY Chapter of P.E.O., being an Elder and Deacon at First Presbyterian Church, and BSF Bible Study. She loved cooking and baking for her organizations and her family and friends. She was an avid reader and loved book discussions. She so enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren and friends. The newspaper crossword puzzle was a morning ritual. Music was a huge constant in Mary’s life. She played the piano, sang in her church choir, and Jazz, Blues, and meeting B.B. King and Keb Mo were a highlight to remember. She especially enjoyed spending time on her acreage with her beloved husband, Jerry.
Mary is survived by her husband of 54 years, Jerry Gardiner; her children, Gigi DeBerg, Springfield, and GR (Nickie) Gardiner of Sioux City; five amazing grandchildren, Jake and Kolton DeBerg of Springfield, and Cassidy, Brianna and Megan Gardiner of Sioux City; her brother, William (Marge) Desmond of Prattville, Alabama; brother-in-law, Krage Gardiner of North Carolina; brother-in-law, Dale Allen of Georgia; and many nieces and one nephew.
Mary was preceded in death by her parents; her sister, Sharon Allen of Georgia; and her son-in-law, Kevin DeBerg of Springfield.
The people at Meyers Brothers Colonial Chapel assisted the family with arrangements. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Building & Grounds at First Presbyterian Church of Sioux City or Shepherds’ Garden in care of First Presbyterian Church of Sioux City.
Online condolences may be offered to the family at www.meyerbroschapels.com.