Gene L. Gardner, 85, of Vero Beach, passed away peacefully at her home, on Feb. 7, 2016. She lived a full and joyful life.
Gardner is the beloved wife of Robert C. Gardner and cherished mother of Ann L. Vessalico, Lynn C.G. Stack, and William W. Gardner. She is also survived by her sister Ann L. Nolte; three adoring grandchildren, Mark R. Vessalico, Courtney G. Stack, and Charlotte L. Stack; and sons-in-law John Vessalico and Richard Wehrmann.
Born on Nov. 24, 1930, in Dallas, Texas, to former Pan Amercan World Airways Sr. Vice President, Willis G. Lipscomb and Eugenia M. Lipscomb, Gardner and her family moved to Plandome, N.Y., in 1941.
Following graduation from Manhasset High School, she excelled at Randolph-Macon Woman’s College, graduating Phi Beta Kappa in 1953. The esteemed Lipscomb Library, named after Gardner’s uncle, Herbert C. Lipscomb, an inspiring professor and Latin scholar, remains a cornerstone of the college today.
She and Bob raised their family in Manhasset, N.Y., and later, Locust Valley, N.Y., and now reside in Vero Beach.
Gardner’s zest for life and deep love of her family and friends touched the lives of many who will carry her in their hearts always.
A service celebrating Gene’s life will be held at St. John’s of Lattingtown in Locust Valley, N.Y., on March 18, 2016, at 11 a.m., followed by a reception at The Creek.