Obituary of Susan Gardner
Susan Gardner December 11, 1937 – May 15, 2020
Susan (Gorham) Gardner of Groton, MA died Friday, May 15, 2020 after a brief illness in Massachusetts. She will be deeply missed. Sue was born on December 11, 1937 in Providence, RI, the daughter of the late David and Arlene (Vallett) Gorham. She was a graduate of Lincoln School in Providence, RI and Green Mountain College in Poultney, VT. Sue will be remembered for her kindness, generosity, and love of a good laugh.
Sue was a devoted and caring wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother who shared her life with two loving husbands. She spent 35 joyful years with David W. Parker (deceased), together raising four children. After 19 years in Foster, RI, they settled in Pomfret, CT building a beautiful home on Hamlet Hill. They also spent many happy weekends at the Shoestring, their family camp in Vermont. Sue spent many years as a Medical Technician at Day Kimball Hospital in Putnam, CT.
She shared her “Second Story” with William A. Gardner (deceased). They were married for 21 loving years in Orleans, MA. On the Cape, they enjoyed Nauset beach year-round, hosting many visits of family and friends and took advantage of these years to travel extensively.
Sue had many interests throughout her life and was an avid reader. A talented crafter with an artistic eye, she filled her homes with her creations including magnificent, hand braided rugs, artfully arranged antiques and always had a beautifully set table, even for simple meals. Sue was a gifted gardener with a busy green thumb and spent many happy hours in her cherished gardens. She loved animals of all kinds, from her beloved chocolate labs to rescued raccoons, geese and many more. Sue took great delight in all holiday celebrations with her family, particularly making Christmas special each year.
She was an active volunteer including serving as a Deacon at the Federated Church of Orleans.
Susan leaves three sons, Scott Parker, and his wife Tracy, AdamParker and his fiancé Lisa Carter, David Parker and his wife, Susan, one daughter, Amy Farrell, wife of the late Dennis Farrell, a sister Abby Gorham, eight grandchildren, nine great grandchildren and Will’s four children Greg, Leslie, Randy, and Gary.
Services will be private. Memorial contributions in Sue’s name may be made to Friends of Snow Library, Orleans, MA (friendsofsnowlibrary.org). Smith and Walker Funeral Home, Grove Street, Putnam, CT has been entrusted with her arrangements. A guest book is available at www.smithandwalkerfh.com where you may post a condolence or light a candle.