To understand Jeanne Gardner is to know the depths of human empathy, and to witness the creative genius of someone that was before her time. Born to help others her path in Psychotherapy was already decided for her. She trained in Western Psychotherapy, body-centered therapies, energetic systems, and nutritional counseling that addressed the mind, body, and spirit for whole healing. Her career led her to helping people across the world. From working with native American youth in the 1980's at the Zuni Reservations of New Mexico to housing Tibetan Monks that were refugees of Chinese hostility in Tibet in 2001. She spent the majority of her 40 year career pioneering a successful integrative psychotherapy practice in Kansas City, MO where she used her clinical and intuitive expertise helping countless people and their relationships to their communities, loved ones, and themselves.

Jeanne never stopped learning and later in life became an avid dog enthusiast and spent her moments journaling and tending to her garden when she was not caring for others. She is survived in death by her children Joshua Hepburn, of Los Angeles, CA, and Philipp Vitti of Kansas City, MO; brother Mark Gardner of Prairie Village, KS, Mark's wife Irvilene and their children Jennifer, Kathryn and Laurie; brother James Gardner of Kansas City, MO; sister Teresa Lee of Alexandria, VA, Teresa's husband David; sister Mary Pittala of Kansas City, MO, Mary's husband Anthony and their children John and Matthew. She is predeceased by her parents, Edmund and Patricia, and brother Michael.

Jeanne did not believe that life ended with death, yet believed that it was merely a transition of our spiritual journey. She used to tell her youngest a quote from Rumi,  "Good byes are only for those who love with their eyes. Because for those who love with heart and soul, there is no separation."

The family would like to thank the Jewish Community Center, especially Liz for her loving support, patience, and dedication. Also to her beloved friends and Hyde Park community – a heartfelt thank you for the many years of loving care and support.

Services are private. Donations can be made to Jewish Family Services at jfskc.org or KC Pet Project at donate.kcpetproject.org.