STOCKTON SPRINGS – Louise Gardner died peacefully Dec. 13, 2011, at her home. The daughter of Robert P. Gardner and Ruth Stevens Gardner, she was born Dec. 1, 1949, in Boston.
She resided in Hingham, Mass., until 1952, when the family moved to Rowley, Mass., where her early school years were spent. Louise had a passion for learning and her path to nursing, a career she loved and excelled in, was prepared for by earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in sociology/psychology from Bates College in 1970, an associate degree as a physical therapy assistant in 1973, an associate and Bachelor of Science degree in nursing from the Regent’s Program at State University of New York. She began her career as a registered nurse at Waldo County Hospital in 1983 becoming the nurse manager of the intensive care unit in 1985, a position she held until her illness prevented her from continuing. In addition to providing direct care to patients in the ICU, she participated in nursing and patient/family education, an activity she found very rewarding. Louise lived in the Gardner family homestead in Stockton Springs since 1983 and has endeavored to remain a good steward of her families’ shipbuilding history and much loved home. Tending the flower gardens and the grounds at her home brought her much joy sharing her home with her beloved cat, Tiramisu.
Louise leaves her sister, Judith G. Moore of Searsport; a nephew, Jonathan A. Moore of Ann Arbor, Mich.; her cousins, Ruth Wells of Peekskill, N.Y., Dr. Elizabeth Wells of Seattle and Christine Gardner Aston of Warren; her aunts, Carol Y. Gardner of Lincolnville Beach, and Dorothy S. Wells of Goshen, N.Y.; and her former husband, John Foster, who remained a friend and faithful caregiver during the past two years when she was seriously ill.
Louise’s memorial service will be held noon Monday, Dec. 19, at St. Margaret’s Episcopal Church, Belfast, with the Rev. Martha Kirkpatrick, rector; and the Rev. Canon Susan Murphy officiating. Burial will take place in the spring at Mount Prospect Cemetery, Stockton Springs. In lieu of flowers, Louise requested that donations be made to St. Margaret’s Episcopal Church, 95 Court St., Belfast, ME 04915. Arrangements are under the direction of Young Funeral Home and Cremation Service, Searsport.