Joan M. Gardiner

Joan M. Gardiner, an 18-year resident of Fountain Hills, left to be with the Lord on Oct. 12, 2013 as she was surrounded by family.

Joan was born in Wadena, Minn. Feb. 29, 1932 and lived in the Twin Cities area until 1969. She moved with her family to Paradise Valley in 1971.

Joan was an accomplished pianist, who made numerous appearances with the Minneapolis Symphony Orchestra. She was a church choir organist for over 35 years and a wonderful homemaker. More than that, though, Joan was a devoted and loving wife and mother.

She influenced those who crossed her path with her kind, gentle and loving nature. Though she will be missed so much, her family will always treasure the memories of a home filled with her music, baking aromas, warm smile and, more than anything, her loving spirit.

Joan is survived by her husband of 58 years, Jim; five children, Mary, Dan (Pam), Glori (Matt), Barb (Bob), Sheri (Kevin); her 18 grand-children, Michael, Brandon, Courtney, Corey, Michelle, Danny, Kylee, Ali, Tyler, Bailey, Brendan, Mariah, Michelle, Chad, Austin, Cody, Kennedy and Cassidy; twin sister, Jean (Arnie); and half-brother, Dave.

She is preceded in death by her mother and father, Hanna and Jim; her half-sister, Marguerite, and her birth mother, Margaret.

Funeral services will be held on Oct. 18 at 1 p.m. at Church of the Ascension, 12615 N. Fountain Hills Blvd. A reception will held immediately following the funeral service at her son Dan’s house.

Donations can be made in her name to the Alzheimer’s Association, alz.org, or addressed to 1028 E. McDowell Rd., Phoenix, AZ 85006 or St. Vincent De Paul Charities, 12615 Fountain Hills Blvd., Fountain Hills, AZ 85268.