Obituary of Donna Wren Gardinier

LITTLE FALLS - Donna Marie Wren Gardinier, 83, passed away peacefully Friday morning December 23, 2016 surrounded by her family. Donna was born in the town of Herkimer, on November 10, 1933 the daughter of the late Patrick J. and Elizabeth (Bunce) Wren. Donna attended and graduated from St. Mary's Academy in Little Falls. On September 27, 1952, at St. Mary’s Church, she married her beloved husband Robert "Burrell" Gardinier, who died July 3, 2013 at the age of 87. Together always, they worked tirelessly for 33 wonderful and happy years at their home and dairy farm on Johnnycake Road. In 1983, they sold the farm and moved to their home at 200 O'Hara Road in Little Falls. Donna was a member of the Nowadaga Grange in Newville, the Holy Family Parish council and altar-rosary society and for several years she and Burrell served as church Eucharistic Ministers. They also performed those duties at Little Falls Hospital. Donna and Burrell especially enjoyed their years of camping and their time on Peck’s Lake, especially when visited by great - grandchildren. She worked at Salada, and in later years for the Little Falls School District, first as a bus driver, and completed her 25 years with the school as an audio – visual and library aide. Donna relished her family, especially the children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She enjoyed knitting, crocheting, gardening and canning and passed them on to the younger generations. She was always working around the kitchen and preparing meals for visitors and family. But besides all of her talents and motherly attributes, it was her knack for kindling conversation that will be missed the most by those who knew her. She was always engaging in a crowd and could talk to anyone, encourage the shy to act and give a politician a piece of advice. She was well-read, witty and had a wonderful sense of humor. She always reminded us to be nice, to not let others belittle us, love animals and the earth. Besides her parents and husband Burrell, she was predeceased by all her brothers and sisters, Catherine Bunce, Mary Margaret Wren, Josephine Wren Petrie, Elizabeth Wren Lassell, Marguerite Wren Loefler, Daniel Wren, Frances Wren Miller, Patrick Wren, Martin Wren, Eileen Wren Moody, Thomas Wren, William Wren, James Wren, and Dorothy Wren Ward. Donna was also predeceased by her daughter, Ellen Margaret, who passed away in 1965 at five months old. She is survived by her children, Robert Jr. of Albany, Virginia M. Koch of Little Falls, Michael and wife Kim of Williamson, David and wife Roberta of Little Falls and William of Fairport; her grandchildren, Robert and wife Amy Koch, Joseph and wife Stefanie Koch, Julianne Koch, Phillip, Timothy, Michaela, Brandan, Morgan and Andrew Gardinier; her great-grandchildren, Keila, Kaidren, Kamryn, Kalissa, Joey and Avenlea Koch; and sisters – in – law, Carol Wren, Geraldine Wren, and a brother – in – law William Ward; and many nieces and nephews. In accordance with Donna’s wishes, there will be no public calling hours. A Funeral Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday December 29, 2016 at 11:00 AM at Holy Family Parish corner of Main and John streets, Little Falls, celebrated by Reverend Terence Healy. The family will receive friends at the conclusion of the mass. Burial will be at a later date in the spring of 2017 in St. Mary's Cemetery, town of Herkimer. The family extends sincere gratitude to the staff of Bassett Healthcare in Cooperstown, particularly the ICU Unit. In lieu of flowers, those wishing to express an act of kindness may make a donation to Holy Family Parish. Envelopes will be available at the services. Arrangements are with The Enea Family Funeral Home, 24 West Monroe Street in Little Falls. Funeral Directors Harry J. & Kevin E. Enea (315) 823-2424. To leave an online note of sympathy please visit www.eneafamily.com on the Internet.