Event Date : Saturday, January 08, 1977
Event Type : Death
Municipality :
Community : Other - Bradford
Street :
Lot :
Concession : 0
Description : Funeral services were held January 10 at the Ferguson Funeral Home in Meaford for Mrs. Jessie Gardiner, who died January 8 following five years of failing health.She was the beloved wife of Alexander Beith Gardiner.Daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. William Curry of Bradford, she grew up here and received her early education in local schools, then completed her studies at the College of Education in Toronto, graduating as a high school teacher.Returning to Bradford, she taught one year in the Public School, then for nine years in the High School.In 1927, she joined the staff of Newmarket High School, where she met and married a fellow teacher, Beith Gardiner. In 1929, they moved to Meaford where Mr. Gardiner was principal of the high school until retirement.During these years, she taught commercial classes for several terms in Markdale and Mitchell and was an occasional teacher in Meaford, Shelbourne and Mimico.A person of many talents, Mrs. Gardiner was very active in community affairs. She became Meaford's first woman councillor, a position she held for eight years.She was district commissioner of Girl Guides for a term, as well as regent of the IODE.An accomplished musician, with the degree of ATCM in piano, she served as church organist for many years in Bradford and later on in Meaford. She taught piano theory as well to many young people.She is survived by her husband, two daughters, Jean (Mrs. Gary Hill) of Owen Sound, Marian (Mrs. Charles Laughton) of Ottawa, seven grandchildren, one great-grandchild, and one brother, Harvey Curry of Bradford.The pallbearers were former neighbours: Don Cowling, Sid Coleman, Beier Pitts, Mac Dales, Lorne Hill and Les Kershaw.Reverend Don Aickman of Meaford United Church conducted the service.Interment was is Lakeview Cemetery in Meaford.
