It is with heavy hearts that the Gardner family announces the passing of Leslie Weber Gardner, a loving and devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister and dear friend to so many. She gently closed her eyes to this earthly life and accepted Jesus' invitation to heaven Saturday, June 10, 2023. At her passing she was 60 years old.
Leslie was born June 8, 1963 in New Iberia to Susanne Pecot Weber and the late Lionel Weber, II and was the only daughter of two children born to that union. She was raised in Jeanerette and was a graduate of Jeanerette Senior High School. She met the love of her life, William “Willie” Gardner, at First Assembly of God in New Iberia.
Leslie enjoyed a lifelong career in healthcare as a certified nursing assistant and unit secretary, devoting her life to the care of her patients at Iberia Medical Center and other agencies in the area. It was a calling that fit her so well because of the love she had in her heart towards others. She was able to manage her work life so that she could give that same love and care to her family at home. She and Willie raised three sons, Kaleb, Jonathan and Luke, and welcomed three more children into their home to love as their own, Jennifer and Tatiana (twins) and Christian. She spent a great deal of time with her youngest son, Luke, as he competed in the Louisiana Special Olympics and in the USA Games. She was known and loved as “Mom” to the participants and their families, and the event organizers and never missed a single event.
Leslie loved trips to the beaches of Florida and Disney World with her family. She also found time to enjoy the simple things in life. Willie reminisced about their bike rides and walks in the park with Luke at City Park, Girard Park and Moncus Park. They also shared a smile and laugh at how much she enjoyed just sitting on her swing with family, a good cup of coffee and the beauty of nature surrounding her. But her greatest joy were the times spent with family and friends. Her life was lived for the care and love of those most dear to her and she will be deeply missed. But we rejoice in knowing that she is not gone from us, only gone on before us and we will one day be reunited with her. Until that time, rest well. We love you.
Those left to cherish her memory are her husband and best friend of 42 years, William “Willie” Gardner; her children, Kaleb James Gardner and wife Nicole, Jonathan William Gardner and wife Kandice, and Luke Andre Gardner, and Jennifer Castaño, Tatiana Castaño and Christian Mauricio Arevalo and wife Angela whom she loved and raised as her own children for two years; her precious grandchildren, Hannah Grace Gardner, Isaac William Gardner, Micah Israel Gardner, Tahlia Joy Gardner, Evelyn Melia Wright, Angie Sophia Arevalo and Ely Mauricio Arevalo; her mother, Susanne Pecot Weber; her brother Lionel Weber III and wife Mireille; and her dearest and closest friends, Denise Ellis and Kate Hebert.
She was preceded in death by her father, Lionel Weber, II.
Funeral services celebrating Leslie’s life will be held 12:00 pm Friday, June 16, 2023 at The Community Church, 627 E Admiral Doyle Drive, New Iberia. Brother Guy Lavergne, who has been a dear friend with the family, will officiate. Following the service, Leslie will be laid to rest at Holy Family Mausoleum.
A gathering of family and friends will be held at Evangeline Funeral Home on Friday from 9:30 am until 11:30 am dismissal.
Pallbearers will be members of the family.
Leslie was a faithful supporter of the Special Olympics of Louisiana, unwavering of her love and support to Luke and all of the athletes participating in the events. Because of that bond, please consider your support of the Special Olympics Louisiana by making a donation in her memory. Special Olympics Louisiana, 46 Louis Prima Dr. Ste. A, Covington, LA 70433 or visit https://specialolympicsla.org
Family and friends are encouraged to share their condolences and memories of Leslie with the Gardner family by visiting her memorial page at www.evangelinenewiberia.com
Evangeline Funeral Home of New Iberia is in charge of arrangements.
