Margaret Alice Gardner

Margaret "Maggie" Alice Gardner passed away in Minneapolis, MN on 30 April 2024, lovingly attended by her niece, Maradee, and best friend, Joline. Maggie was born on 8 October 1953 to Harry and Agatha Gardner in Minneapolis, MN and grew up in Hopkins. After graduating from the St. Paul Open School in 1971, Maggie went on to earn a BA in 1975, and a MA in Journalism, both from the University of Minnesota. She dedicated her professional life to working in the admissions office at the University of Minnesota where she was passionate about providing rewarding opportunities for transfer students. Maggie supported Minneapolis public libraries and believed in enlightenment and entertainment through reading, as evidenced by her significant book collection. Her favorite books were mysteries, which she started reading at a very young age with her big sister, Mary-Catherine. The Trixie Belden Mysteries were Maggie's favorite because the young sleuth, Trixie, had short, curly blond hair just like Maggie! An avid supporter of the arts, Maggie loved to support local artists and attend art fairs with her friends. She gave back to the art community by serving as a docent at the Weisman Art Museum for several years. Maggie loved a variety of music genres, from the Beatles to the Celtic Thunder to Gordon Lightfoot and Neil Diamond. She had a beautiful voice and sang in a choir for many years. In the words of Fred Rogers, "There are three ways to ultimate success. The first way is to be kind. The second way is to be kind. The third way is to be kind." Maggie was the epitome of kindness and cared deeply for her family, her friends, her community.....and all the animals! She loved to spend time with her family and friends, whether it was to attend a dance recital, spend a weekend on an ocean beach, or attend a graduation. Maggie always made time to be there for the important moments and to make memories with the people she loved. She had the natural ability to effortlessly and without a doubt make the people close to her know they were loved and appreciated. She will be dearly missed. Maggie was preceded in death by her parents, Harry and Agatha Gardner, and her brother, George Gardner. She is survived by her sister Mary-Catherine (David) Mueller, brother Peter (Theresa) Gardner, nieces, nephews, and best friend Joline Gitis. Thanks to the medical team at M Health Fairview University of Minnesota Medical Center. Special thanks to loyal friend, Natalia Costa-Roberts, and best friend, Joline Gitis, both of whom gave invaluable and unconditional love and support. The family will receive friends from 1-7 pm on Wednesday, 15 May 2024 at Washburn-McReavy Nokomis Park Chapel, 1838 E. Minnehaha Parkway, Minneapolis, MN. A viewing will occur at 10 am on Thursday, 16 May 2024 at St. Albert the Great Church, 2836 33rd Ave South, Minneapolis, MN, followed by a funeral service at 11 am. A luncheon will follow the funeral service at the church. Memorials are preferred with these considerations: the family, Twin Cities public television, or Nokomis Public Library.

Tributes

Margaret Alice Gardner

October 8, 1953 - April 30, 2024

Tributes

Margaret Alice Gardner

October 8, 1953 - April 30, 2024

We are here for you 24x7

Call us and get help now

(612) 377-2203