Joy A. Gardner

Joy Ann Gardner, 84, of Traverse City and formerly of Grosse Pointe Park, MI, passed with family by her side Sunday, September 9, 2012 at Munson Hospice House in Traverse City.

Joy was born on June 25, 1928 to the late Russell and Edith Lowther in Detroit, MI. She grew up in the Detroit area attending and graduating from Eastern High School and Michigan State University. While in East Lansing Joy was a proud member of Sigma Kappa Sorority, maintaining friendships she made for many years to come. On September 2, 1950, Joy eloped with her high school sweetheart, Joe Gardner, in Angola, IN, marking 62 years of marriage this month. She was an elementary school teacher in Detroit before beginning her family. She was also an active volunteer with St. Columbia Episcopal Church. She and Joe relocated to Traverse City in 1980.

Joy was a loving wife and mother and a proud grandmother. She dearly enjoyed travelling with General Electric dealer trips, the Nomads Flying Club, and yearly trips to Perdido Key Florida making many friends along the way. Joy was an avid reader and would often be found walking, golfing, and enjoying time with family and friends. She was a former member of Lost Lake Woods Club and the Traverse City Golf and Country Club. She is a member of Grace Episcopal Church and will be deeply missed.

Joy is survived by her husband of 62 years, Joe Gardner of Traverse City, children, Janet (JP) Pachnik of New Haven, MI, Jack (Cecilia) Gardner of Dexter, MI, and Jeff (Mary Beth) Gardner of Traverse City, 7 grandchildren, Kate, Russ, Joe, Maggie, Molly Kate, Caroline, and Lena , 2 great-grandsons, and many other loving family members and friends.

Visitation with friends and family will be held Wednesday, September 12, 2012 from 5 PM until 7 PM at the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home.

A private family memorial service will be held at a later date.

Memorial contributions may be directed to Munson Hospice or to Grace Episcopal Church in Traverse City.