Patricia Joan Gardner, 91, passed away March 9, 2021.

Patricia was born September 30, 1929, in Kansas City to Thomas and Cecilia Wren. Pat attended St. Theresa's Academy where she was head of the Science Club, graduated in 1947, and was awarded a college scholarship.  While working for a farm and implement magazine in downtown K.C., she answered a carpool ad by Ed Gardner and soon had the best seat in his Buick.  They were married in 1952 in St. Peter's Cathedral in Kansas City, KS.

Pat and Ed were blessed with six children, seven grandchildren and seven great grandchildren.  They were active members of the St. Therese and St. Charles parishes where the children attended catholic schools.

Pat was busy with the family, cooking big Sunday meals to be served at Chiefs halftime, prepping for the Gardner farm outings, serving as scout leader, sewing all the girls dresses, or cleaning muddy football uniforms.  She later enjoyed many outings with her grandchildren.

Pat enjoyed traveling with Ed and close friends, especially her Ireland trip to her Irish roots.  She joined groups to visit to the Vatican and the pilgrimage to Fatima, Portugal.  And she was thrilled to travel with family, including Branson, Naples, D.C. or Seattle.

Pat and Ed joined St. Andrews the Apostle Catholic Church parish in 1975. After Ed's death in 2006, Pat became immersed in the parish community and supported the priests and vocations; she attended daily mass, was a member of the Altar Society, helped organize the St. Joseph table, and volunteered at every opportunity as it brought her so much joy. She loved her dear friends there and looked forward to chatter at the Sunday donut table.

Pat enjoyed her friendly neighborhood, and their avid bunko teams where Pat was always ready to join other groups as a substitute.  She was a regular at the library and a fan of a good Hallmark movie.

Pat is preceded in death by her husband of 54 years, Edmund "Ed" Gardner, and son Michael Gardner.  She is survived by sons Mark Gardner (Irvilene) of Prairie Village, KS, and James Gardner of KCMO; and daughters Jeanne Gardner of KCMO, Teresa Lee (David) of Alexandria, VA, and Mary Pittala (Anthony) of KCMO; grandchildren Dr. Jennifer Gardner (Dr. Albert Gee) of Seattle, WA, Kathryn "Katie" Gardner-Rosica (Keith) of Leawood, KS, Laurie Box (Deryck) of KCMO, Joshua Hepburn of Topanga, CA, John Pittala of Overland Park, KS, Matthew Pittala of KCMO; and seven great-grandchildren.

We will miss Pat, we will miss her laugh, we will miss her hugs and we will miss how she lived as an example of strong faith. The family wishes to thank Crossroads Hospice medical professionals and AR Healthcare Solutions caregivers for their loving care and support.

Visitation will be 10 a.m. followed by the Rosary at 10:45 a.m. and Funeral Mass at 11 a.m. on Monday, March 15, at St. Andrew the Apostle Catholic Church, Gladstone, MO. Burial will be at Resurrection Cemetery. The family requests no flowers and that any charitable donations be made to Crossroads Hospice or St. Andrew the Apostle Parish.

Condolences may be offered at www.passantinobros.com