Shirley L. Gardner, 83, formerly of Clarendon, PA, passed away on Thursday, January 29, 2015, at the John & Orpha Blair Hospice House. Mrs. Gardner was born September 7, 1931, in Beaver Twp, PA. She is the daughter of the late Gardner and Lenore (Breese) Williams.

Mrs. Gardner graduated valedictorian of Conneautville High School, class of 1949. She attended Meadville City Hospital Nursing School Program administered by Allegheny College, and completed her internship at Philadelphia Children's Hospital, ultimately obtaining her license as a Registered Nurse. She was employed by the Warren State Hospital, retiring as Head Psychiatric Nurse after 30 years of service. She cheerfully and patiently cared for anyone who was ill, and also volunteered as a nurse for many of her children's school trips.

Mrs. Gardner was a member of the Clarendon United Methodist Church and attended as her health allowed.  She was also an active PARSE Member.

As a young girl she loved caring for her many farm animals, especially her beloved horse, "Old Dan". Her favorite interests included roller skating, tap dancing, singing, and butterflies.

Above all things, Shirley's family was most important to her. She was a loving and supportive mother and grandmother, who actively cheered at many sporting events and school functions.

She is survived by two daughters, Sharon Schumann, and husband, David, and Susanne "Suky" Bancroft, and husband, Jerry, both of Warren, PA; and one son, William Gardner, and wife, Carrie, of Clarendon, PA; four grandchildren Danielle Gardner, of Clarendon, PA, Fara Schumann, of Altoona, PA, Michael Bancroft, of Warren, PA and Lindsay Cameron, and husband, Gregory, of Warren, PA; one great-grandchild, Chase Fetzeck; one step-granddaughter, Dina Deffenbaugh, and husband, Jake, Steubenville, OH; two step-great-grandchildren, Austin and Jaden Deffenbaugh; and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, Shirley was preceded in death on February 10, 1987, by her husband, Sherman "Bud" Gardner, whom she married on August 16, 1952; an infant brother; and her long time friend, Chet Walker.

Friends will be received at the Peterson-Blick Funeral Home, Inc, 1003 Penn Ave., E., Warren, PA, on Monday, February 2, from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. The funeral will be held 11 a.m. on Tuesday, February 3, with Rev. Marcus Briggs, chaplain, Rouse Home and Warren General Hospital, officiating. Burial will be in Warren County Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Hospice of Warren County, 1 Main Avenue, Warren, PA 16365; Paws Along The River, 212 Elm Street, Warren, PA 16365; or Clarendon Fire Department 15 N. Main St., Clarendon, PA 16313.