Joanne Georgia Gardner

Joanne G. Gardner January 15, 1933 - July 26, 2019 East Wenatchee, WA Our beloved mother and grandmother, Joanne Georgia Mortimer, was born to George and Lottie Lewandoska Mortimer on January 15, 1933, in Chicago, IL, the fourth of six children. She attended St. Michael Schools and upon graduation, was one of three students in Chicago who received an American Red Cross Scholarship for nursing. At Little Company of Mary Hospital, she met her future husband, John W. Gardner, a medical student, and they were married October 3, 1953. Upon completion of John's medical degree and internship in Evanston, IL, and following the birth of their first child, John, the family moved to Mt. Edgecumbe, AK. John, Sr. worked in the Public Health Hospital, and Patricia and Carol were born during their two years there. John, Sr., then completed a residency in Michigan, where Steven was born. Susan was born prior to the family's move to Wenatchee, WA, where John, Sr., had accepted a position as radiologist at the Wenatchee Valley Clinic in 1960. The Gardner family was completed with the births of Angela and Julie in Wenatchee. When the children entered school, Joanne continued her education at Wenatchee Valley College and Central Washington University. Following her graduation, she was employed at Catholic Family and Child Services for six years. She then furthered her education and completed a Master's of Social Work at Eastern Washington University. At that point, the opportunity presented itself to begin in the Social Work Department at Central Washington Hospital, combining her nursing and social work, which provided a fulfilling vocation for Joanne for 20 years. Joanne was a charter member of Holy Apostles Church, a choir member and lector. Her guiding principles were family, faith, friends, and education. She enjoyed camping, a new experience for a Chicago girl, then traveling when the children were grown. She was also a Master Gardener, enjoyed cooking (she made a terrific pie), singing, and above all, reading. Joanne was privileged to participate in medical missions in El Salvador, Guatemala, and Romania, as well as teaching a term in Poland, her mother's birthplace. She had much compassion for the less fortunate, and learned to speak Spanish to facilitate communication with her patients. Joanne was an angel, loved by all for her generosity, inclusivity, thoughtfulness, and kindness. John and Joanne celebrated their 62nd wedding anniversary on October 3, 2015, shortly before John died. She was also preceded in death by her parents, George and Lottie Mortimer; her brothers: George, James, and John; and sister, Phyllis Kostecka. She is survived by her children: John (Jennifer), Patricia Knaup (Stephen), Carol, Steven (Dayna), Susan DaPron (Robert), Angela, Julie (Audrey Halvorsen); her sister, Pat Matz (Tom); and many grandchildren; great-grandchildren; nieces and nephews, all of whom adored her and will miss her greatly. The Memorial Service will be held at Holy Apostles Catholic Church, 1315 NE 8th St., East Wenatchee, WA, on Thursday, August 22, 2019, at noon. A reception will follow at the Wenatchee Golf and Country Club, 1600 Country Club Dr., East Wenatchee, WA. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Catholic Family and Child Services at 145 S. Worthen St., Wenatchee, WA, 98801, or to the American Red Cross. Arrangements are by Chapel of the Valley, Wenatchee, WA.