Maria (Festa) Gardiner

Gardiner

DOB: 2/8/1923

Naples, Italy

Artist/Photographer

A descendant of Italian freedom fighter and revolutionary Giuseppe Garibaldi, Maria married in Italy and moved to the US in 1950. Maria and her family eventually settled in Southern California where she was active in the local community, serving as the Secretary and Treasurer of the Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce, helping plan and coordinate the Carlsbad Spring Holiday Parade in the early sixties while also owning and operating an import store. She had a fierce belief in the power of creative expression and that art changes perspectives and shapes society. Because of this, Maria co-founded both the 101 Artist Colony in Encinitas and the Del Mar Art Center and was also the Executive Director of Print Makers Atelier for two years. Maria also, was a community producer with the Del Mar Television Producer’s Group. An artistic force in her own right, her work has been exhibited in Santa Fe, New Mexico, New York City and as far away as Tubingen, Germany. She taught art to children and passed along her passion to her own children and grandchildren who have gone on to win their own awards in various fields of art.

Prior to moving to Oceanside, Maria was active in several organizations at Lakeshore Gardens and enjoyed participating in live performances of old time radio scripts. Even after breaking her leg, she continued to participate in the Art and Craft Clubs.

Maria is predeceased by her first husband Wayne, her second husband Lee and her parents along with brothers Fernando, Rafael and sisters Ines, Pupa and Josie.

Maria is survived by her brother Elio, daughter Luana Karr, her son and daughter-in-law Bruno and Nora Gardiner and son Roy Gardiner. She is also survived by her grandsons Shane and Nick Karr and their partners Veronica Bisesti and Cayla Boshell, as well as granddaughter Leslie, granddaughter Shannon and her husband Staff Sgt. Floyd Tidwell and great granddaughter Sofia.

Known to her family dearly as “Nonni”, she was small in stature but large in mind and soul. A strong lady, who survived World War II, Nonni became an American citizen and taught her family to live, love, take care of others and always eat well.

She is loved, cherished and missed immensely. Nonni will make her presence known among the angels.