G. Louise Gardner, age 102 passed away December 28, 2011 at Hillside Home, Meadville PA. She had lived in Cambridge Springs Borough from 1977 till June of 2009 when she moved to Hillside. Born on October 30, 1909 in Cambridge Township, Crawford County, she was a daughter of the late Burnett Sherwood Mitchell and Dora Pifer Mitchell. On October 31, 1931, Louise married Raymond LaRue Gardner and he preceded her in death on March 4, 1975.

Gardner, G. LouiseLouise grew up in Cambridge Township where she attended schools. After completing her high school education, she attended and graduated from Erie Business College in 1928. Her first employment was at Pennsylvania Boiler Works where she was a secretary until 1934. For some time in the late 1930’s she worked as secretary for Swan Farms. Just prior to the Second World War, she and her late husband owned and operated Gardner’s Pancake Shop in Erie. From 1940 until 1960, Louise and her husband owned and operated a dairy farm located near Mitchell’s Lake in Cambridge Township. From 1964 until 1975, Louise was the admissions clerk and switchboard operator at Meadville City Hospital.

A member of Washington Valley Christian Church, Louise served faithfully there as deacon for many years. She likewise was a member of the Mitchell Cemetery Auxiliary where she served many years as President.

Family members surviving Louise include a daughter – Marilyn Hilburn and her husband, Thomas of Saegertown; grandchildren – Sharon Styborski and her husband, Greg of Saegertown; Perry Hilburn and his wife, Holly of Cambridge Springs; four great grandchildren; Chelsea Valeo, Alix, Perry, and Carson Hilburn.

In addition to her parents and husband, Louise was preceded in death by three brothers -Kenneth, Loren and Clinton; and a grandson – Stephen Hilburn.

Friends may call at the Van Matre Family Funeral Home in Cambridge Springs on Thursday from 7-9 p.m. Funeral services will be held there on Friday at 11:00 a.m. with Reverend Duane Pinney, pastor of the Washington Valley Church, officiating. Interment will be in Mitchell Cemetery.