Marilyn Joy Gardner

Marilyn Gardner, nee Pritchard, 83, of Arlington Heights, died peacefully in her sleep on Tuesday, December 20th. She is survived by her husband Bill, her daughter Dianne, and her sons John and Tom (Nancy), grandchildren Meghan Schnatchko, Meredith Gletty, Bill Gardner, great grandchildren Lauren Gletty, Cash Gardner, JR Schnatchko. She was preceded in death by her son, Dale, her sister, Dianne Rose, and daughter-in-law, Suesan LaVoie Gardner. A memorial service to be held at a later date at First United Methodist Church of Arlington Heights. Marilyn was a long time resident of Arlington Heights. She was a tireless, active member of the community, volunteering at the library serving on committees at her beloved Methodist church and enjoying a aqua exercise class at the Y. Although her heart belong to Arlington Heights, each summer she and Bill headed up a camping caravan of family members and friends who travelled all around the United States visiting National Parks, civil war battlefields or just enjoying America's countryside. Whether the task was standing in ankle deep mud cooking breakfast or soothing the sunburn of a child, Marilyn's quite calm presence assured those she loved that they would be safe and cared for. She was a good friend, a marvelous mother, a loving grandmother and a wonderful mother-in-law. Although we miss her so much already, Marilyn's friends and family take comfort in the memories of the good times we shared with her. In lieu of flowers contributions to First United Methodist church of Arlington Heights, 1903 East Euclid, Arlington Heights, IL 60004 appreciated.