Audrey McDowell Gardner, 90, passed away on Tuesday, February 7th, 2017 at Elsie’s Place in Raleigh, NC after several years of battling Alzheimer’s disease. Audrey was born May 26, 1926 in Princeton, Maine to Harry and Mary McDowell. She grew up in Princeton and graduated from Westbrook College in Portland, Maine.
In Princeton, Audrey’s family owned the town grocery store. She learned the value of hard work at an early age. Audrey married the love of her life, Charles H. Gardner on July 28, 1946. Charlie preceded her in death on September 8th, 1988 after 42 years of marriage. Audrey and Charlie started a family business, Gardner Marsh Gas Equipment Company, on October 16, 1961, in Raleigh, NC. They worked hard to make the business a success and it is now in its third generation. Audrey also worked for 15 years as the head of Financial Aid at Meredith College as well as volunteered at multiple hospitals and churches, she liked to stay busy! Her kindness, generosity and wisdom touched everyone she knew. Audrey enjoyed reading, needlepoint, puzzles, NC State Wolfpack, NASCAR racing and spending time with her family.
Audrey is survived by her brother, Bernard McDowell, 99 of Farmington, FL; son Dana Gardner and wife Karen of Deland, FL; son, Dale Gardner and girlfriend Peggy Mentzel of Raleigh, NC; grandchildren David Gardner and wife Jennifer of Rowlett, TX; Angi Harris and husband Paul of Raleigh, NC, Craig Gardner and wife Thelma of Thorndale, TX; Laura Kedzierzawski and husband Kurt of Raleigh, NC; and 14 great grandchildren.
The family will receive friends on Sunday, February 12th from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Mitchell Funeral Home (7209 Glenwood Ave. Raleigh, NC 27612).
Condolences may be sent to 8209 Brownleigh Drive, Raleigh, NC 27617.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to one of two charities close to Audrey’s heart. North Carolina Propane Gas Association (in memo field: Scholarship Fund), 5109 Hollyridge Drive, Raleigh, NC 27612 or Fight Like Paxton, 13124 Six Forks Rd. Raleigh, NC 27614 (financial relief and love and support for families fighting childhood cancer).
Arrangements under the direction of Mitchell Funeral Home at Raleigh Memorial Park, Raleigh, NC.
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