Gardner, Kathryn Diane 'Kathy'
Kathy passed away unexpectedly at her home in Meaford on Monday, March 17, 2025 at the age of 76.
Born in Meaford at the Cottage Hospital on April 1, 1948, Kathy was a daughter of the late Ken and Claire (nee Heslip) Mackey.
She will be missed dearly by her husband of almost 56 years, James ‘Jim’ Gardner.
Kathy was the proud and much-loved mother of Melissa Gardner.
She was the fun-loving sister of Sandra Mullin, and was predeceased by her sister Marilyn.
Kathy was the cherished daughter-in-law of the late Tony and Helen Gardner. She will be remembered fondly by her brother-in-law Rob Gardner and his wife Lynn. Kathy was a wonderful aunt and will be missed by many nieces, nephews and their families.
Kathy was full of energy and could brighten any room. She was kind and generous. Kathy loved to make others happy and would do anything she could to make someone’s life a little better. She had a great sense of humour, was creative and artistic, and definitely a fashionista. Not many women could still pull off a mini skirt in their 70’s. Kathy was a beautiful woman both inside and out.
She started her career teaching in both Scarborough and Meaford, and later worked at Gardner’s Cold Storage, retail and bookkeeping. She owned the Specialty Shop in Meaford until her retirement in the late 90’s. She loved the sun and always looked forward to travelling. She had an eye for landscaping and was passionate about her flowerbeds.
Kathy made friends wherever she went. She had friends near and far, including 100s of Nascar and Sprint car friendships she has made during her travels over the years. Kathy will be missed but will never be forgotten.
At Kathy’s request, there will be no visitation or service. Private family arrangements.
As your expression of sympathy, donations to the Meaford Hospital Foundation or a charity of your choice would be appreciated and may be made through the Ferguson Funeral Home, 48 Boucher St. E., Meaford, ON N4L 1B9 to whom arrangements have been entrusted. www.fergusonfuneralhomes.ca
Details
Make a donation in memory of Kathryn Diane 'Kathy' Gardner
Donations: Meaford Hospital Foundation or a charity of your choice.Donate securely through Ferguson Funeral Home
Tuesday, March 18, 2025
Jim & Melissa – So many memories of our camping days! I am blessed to have known Kathy and sending so much love and many prayers to you guys.
Tuesday, March 18, 2025
My deepest sympathies during this difficult time Melissa and family
Darlene
Wednesday, March 19, 2025
Jim and family our deepest condolence’s our thoughts are with you.
Paul & Jocelyne
Wednesday, March 19, 2025
May memories stay with each of you as you move through the coming days and into the years ahead
Heartfelt sympathy to you Jim and Melissa at this most difficult time
Bob & Leone Allan
Brian, Jen & Hailey Allan
Wednesday, March 19, 2025
My deepest sympathies for the loss of Kathy. She was such a lovely lady, always a smile and a warm greeting. She will be missed by many.
Ellie and Merv Smith
Wednesday, March 19, 2025
Our sincere sympathy goes out to the Gardner family at this time as Kathy had a great personality and was such a ray of sunshine she will be missed but not forgotten I have had a lot of memories of the Gardner family and there is no better memories Live with all those years of memories Jim as I am sure you have lots Gail and Bev Murray
Wednesday, March 19, 2025
My deepest sympathy to Sandra, Jim and Melissa. Kathy was a lovely person, inside and out.
Wednesday, March 19, 2025
Our deepest sympathies on the lost of Kathy. She was such a vibrant and lively lady.
Wednesday, March 19, 2025
Jim and family. So sorry to hear about Kathy. My deepest condolences to you. Kathy was such a lovely lady and will be missed by all.
Wednesday, March 19, 2025
So sorry to hear of your loss Jim and Melissa, I enjoyed our time in Meaford and loved going tolunch with Kathy. Kathy was such a wonderful person including me in lunches and get togethers, when we first to moved to Meaford as the new Branch Manager for Victoria and Grey. It was fun going to the Specialty shop where Kathy would order just the perfect dress for me and making sure Jean Willoughby and I never had the same outfit. I was planning to drop in on April 1st to wish Kathy a Happy Birthday.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY KATHY You will be missed by many friends and family. May you rest in peace. Love Jennifer Young and family.
Thursday, March 20, 2025
Jim, Melissa and Sandra our deepest condolences are sent. Kathy had a wonderful sense of style and her store was such a hit at Christmas for many men. She always knew your size and style. May you rest in peace Kathy. Ken & Carol Ormsby
Wednesday, March 19, 2025
Jim and Melissa – our deepest condolences on the loss of Kathy. You are very much in our thoughts during this difficult time.
Wednesday, March 19, 2025
My deepest sympathy for Kathy. I have many wonderful memories of her when I lived in Meaford.
Wednesday, March 19, 2025
Dear Jim and Melissa
I am so very sorry to hear this sad news. Kathy was such a bright light, she truly was the whole package!
She always looked like a million bucks, she was beautiful inside and out. I will forever cherish our many “couples” dinners and get togethers which she often organized.
I am thinking of you with my heart and remembering you in my prayers.
Wednesday, March 19, 2025
Dear Jim and Melissa…I am heartbroken for you with the loss of your amazing mother and wife. The pictures of Kathy certainly show her bubbly personality, her fun loving nature and her beauty. We have had so much fun over the years, in Meaford, Collingwood and at the races, and those memories will stay with me forever. Marv loved Kathy so much, as did everyone who knew her near and far. She knew everyone in town and at the races and they all loved Kathy. I can remember riding around the grounds on golf carts and every would wave and shout her name. She was a very special lady who will be greatly missed by all. Sending love and big hugs to you all…love Jane
Wednesday, March 19, 2025
Jim and Mellisa, our deepest sympathies to you both and your extended families. I have know Kathy since High School Days and have great memories of our times together and the fun we had. Kathy brought a sparkle of joy and energy of life to every thing she endeavoured doing. She will be missed by her family and all who knew her. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Farewell my long time friend. Kathi.
Kathi&Harold
Wednesday, March 19, 2025
Our condolences to Jim and family. I was in grade 9 with her she, was a smart women. Rest in peace Kathy, fly with the angels.
Wednesday, March 19, 2025
Jim,
We are very sorry to hear about Kathy. Our thoughts and condolences are with you and your family.
Everyone liked Kathy’s quick witt and beautiful smile.
Sincerely
Deb & Jim
Wednesday, March 19, 2025
Jim, Melissa & Family
Our sincere condolences to the Gardner family. Cherish your precious memories.
Sylvia & Michael
Thursday, March 20, 2025
Jim, Melissa and family:
So very sorry for your loss. Kathy was a lovely lady and will be missed. Cherish the memories.
Dave and Myrna
Thursday, March 20, 2025
Jim,
Very sorry to hear about Kathy’s sudden passing. I remember how pleasant she was back in high school, and we had some nice conversations more recently. She’ll certainly be missed.
Craig & Robin
Thursday, March 20, 2025
I remember Kathy teaching at SVE school, but I really got to know her when I worked for Gardners at the cold storage and store on highway 26. Kathy was energetic, competent and engaging, not to mention kind to a student learning the ropes.
My sincere condolences to her family at this time of grief and loss.
Thursday, March 20, 2025
Our sincere condolences to all of Kathy’s family. She was a beautiful person inside and out.
Always a smile and friendly wave. She will be missed.
Thursday, March 20, 2025
Jim Melissa and Sandra our sincere condolences Kathy was always a breath of fresh air l so looked forward to our appointment time together, never a dull moment. Kathy will certainly be missed by many. Hold your cherished memory’s close to your hearts.
Thursday, March 20, 2025
Jim and Melissa , condolences to both of you during a hard time. Kathy was such a friendly person , who always stopped to talk to you and asked how everyone was doing.
Tom and Lynn
Friday, March 21, 2025
Jim, Melissa and Sandra. We are very shocked and sadden to hear about Kathy’s passing. She was always full of life, love and laughter. Having been blessed to work with her at The Specialty Shop the last few years it was opened, I can honestly say “it was the best job ever” and Kathy was the best boss ever, one you never “worked for”, but “worked with” – every day was a great work day with Kathy and so much fun. Even, when I briefly owned my own store down the street, she extended her hand to me to assist me, how ever she could. I had a nice chat with Kathy back in June 2024 and we briefly said “Hello, how you doing” a couple of weeks ago in the grocery store. Our brief encounters, always ended with “we must get together for a long chat”. Kathy has never been far from my thoughts, as I often consider “How would Kathy handle this situation”. Rick and I express our sincere condolences to family and friends who have been blessed with knowing friendly demeanor, profound sense of love of others and her amazing wit. She will forever be in our hearts. Lesson learned, next time someone says “we must get together”, take out your date book and set a date. With great admiration. Verna & Rick Hindle
Friday, March 21, 2025
Our condolences to all of Kathy’s family. Her bright smile will be missed. Cherish all your wonderful memories.
Saturday, March 22, 2025
Dear Jim and Family,
Condolences to you all, I only meet you both briefly back in 2009 whilst in Charlotte at the NASCAR race and we’ve kept in touch since.
True to Kathy’s nature as I was leaving to head home back to OZ Kathy made me a sandwich which I enjoyed on the way back to Atlanta to catch my flight home.
Jim, we’re thinking you mate in this tough time.
Dave and Melinda, your Aussie mates.
Saturday, March 22, 2025
My thoughts are with you at this terrible time. Kathy always had a smile on her face and will be greatly missed
Sunday, March 23, 2025
I am shocked to hear of her passing. I loved Kathy as a friend and a role model. I miss her already.
Condolences to the whole family. You will be missed but never forgotten.
Love from Evelyn and Tino
Tuesday, March 25, 2025
Jim & Family – I am sorry to hear of Kathy’s passing. May your wonderful memories help you through this difficult time. Bonnie Hammond
Friday, March 28, 2025
Jim and Family – we are so saddened to hear of Kathy’s passing. She was so full of life and we will miss her dearly. NASCAR won’t be the same without her.
Sending you much love
The Hastings and Nesbit families ❤️
Friday, March 28, 2025
Jim and family,
We were so sorry to hear of Kathy’s passing. She was such a fun, loving lady. Hugs We will miss her at Michigan at the race. She will be forever missed.
Lyle and Kathy Campbell
Saturday, April 12, 2025
SOOOO many memories of Ms. Kathy we always wrote cards and letters, and went on lunch dates she will be missed.