Ellen was born in Miami, FL on April 5, 1949 to parents Donald and June Eleanor Davie. She earned her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Elementary Education from the University of Central Florida and Florida Atlantic University, respectively.
A teacher for over 25 years, Ellen, or Mrs. Gardner to her students, taught at several schools in Hillsborough County. She received many awards and accolades for excellence in teaching throughout her tenure.
Ellen loved her family deeply. In her retirement years, she could be found reading to her grandchildren’s classrooms or volunteering as a field trip chaperone. She was a talented writer and artist, drawing inspiration from nature, family, and her faith.
Ellen is survived by Daniel Gardner (husband), whom she has been married to for over 50 years; Christopher Gardner (son), Jacqueline Gardner (daughter-in-law); Grant Gardner (grandson); Avery Gardner (granddaughter); Grace Gardner (daughter), and Trevor Wells (son-in-law).
In lieu of flowers, her family has asked for charitable donations to be made in Ellen’s memory to Christ the King Catholic School to help fund library books and field trips for her grandchildren and future generations.
Donations can be made below.
A visitation will be held at 9am on Monday, March 25, 2019 at Hyde Park United Methodist Church where Ellen was a member for over 20 years. The funeral service will follow at 10am.
We love and miss you, Ellen.
Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. (Heb 11:1)
