Obituary of Mary Jane Gardiner
Mary Jane Kremnetz was born in Toledo, Ohio on December 7, 1941. She was one of four children born to the union of Harry and Sally (Malkowski) Kremnetz. Mary Jane graduated from Monroe High School with the Class of 1960. Four years later, on February 1, 1964, she was joined in marriage to Thomas Gardiner, and they would be blessed with three boys. Mary Jane was employed as the Head of Operations at the family business, Tom Gardiner and Sons Trucking.
Mary Jane was the ultimate caregiver, never hesitating to take up any task when called upon. Described as a “Saint”, she lived to serve others, especially her husband, children, grandchildren, and siblings. Mary Jane was so concerned with taking care of everyone else, she struggled with letting anyone, including nurses and doctors, take care of her during her illness. Steadfast in her kind disposition, she never saw the bad in anyone no matter the situation.
One of Mary Jane’s favorite ways to express her love was through cooking. Beet soup was one of her specialties. She delighted in feeding everyone. Guests simply could not leave her kitchen with an empty stomach. Mary Jane would entice potential diners with, “just try it” and then before long, “eat the rest” with your second serving typically being larger than the first and there was no telling her “no”! Of course, Mary Jane herself was always the last to eat.
Mary Jane Gardiner, age 79, of Erie, Michigan passed away peacefully on Thursday, May 6, 2021. Her passing was preceded by her parents, a brother: Dale Kremnetz, and a daughter-in-law: Wendy Gardiner.
Left to cherish her memory are her husband of fifty-seven years: Thomas Gardiner Sr., three sons: Thomas (Linda) Gardiner Jr., James Gardiner, and Steve Gardiner, one sister: Betty Kremnetz, one brother: Jerry Kremnetz, five grandchildren: Thomas (Sarah) Gardiner III, Todd (Janel) Gardiner, James Gardiner Jr., Timothy (Cheyenne) Gardiner, and Bryce Gardiner, and four great grandchildren.
Friends may gather for the Mass of the Resurrection at 11:00am on Tuesday, May 11, 2021 at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 2214 Manhattan Street, Erie, Michigan 48133. Father Mark Prill will officiate and procession will follow to St. Joseph Cemetery for burial. Merkle Funeral Service, Erie; 9156 Summit Street, Erie, Michigan 48133 (734) 317-7199 has been entrusted with her care.
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