Mar 24, 2022

Nettie Marie Gardner, affectionally known as Marie, departed this life Friday, March 18, 2022, in Hallsworth House Personal Care Home in Monessen. She was born December 17, 1932, in Donora, a daughter of the late Alberta Thomas Ellis and James Ellis.

She graduated from Donora High School Class of 1951. She was employed for 14 years at Mercy Hospital, Pittsburgh, in the Dietary Department. She retired to become a nanny to her granddaughter, Marie and also her children.

After her husband passed away in 1989, Marie enjoyed traveling and going to the Senior Citizens Center in Donora and visiting other centers in the Mon Valley. She was also a member of the Red Hats. She also enjoyed singing and dancing in the senior citizens musical “Showboat” every year.

She was a devoted member of First Baptist Church, Donora. Marie really enjoyed going to church on Sunday, getting all dressed up and listening to the sermons and singing in the choir.

In 1952, she married her late husband, Lonzo Charles Gardner.

Marie leaves to cherish her memory her devoted daughter, Marzelia “Mize” Gardner of Monessen; four grandchildren, Alonzo (Yolanda) Dixon of Georgia, Marie (Jamie) Arnold of Donora, Charshria Tartt of Pittsburgh and Lorenzo (Monica) Gardner Sr. of Monessen; seven great-grandchildren, Stefan Madison, Monique Madison-Dixon, Sania Dixon, Mahogany Brown, Quinte’ Brown, Imani Arnold, and Lorenzo Gardner Jr. She is also survived by an aunt, Marge Peterson of Atlanta, Ga.; and sisters-in-law, Barbara (Vernon) Flowers of Washington, and Frances Gardner of Washington; along with many nieces, nephews and cousins.

She was predeceased by her husband, Lonzo Gardner Sr. December 2, 1989; her only son, Lonzo Charles Gardner Jr. April 13, 2019; five sisters, Lillian Thomas, Mamie Lee Pickett, Leola Tartt, Mary Harris and Ruth Ellis; and four brothers, James “Buster” Ellis, George Ellis, Robert Ellis and Edward Ellis; and brothers-in-law, Frank Thomas, Bo Pickett, Cecil Tartt, Clinton Harris, James Miller and Ronnie Gardner; mother-in-law, Fannie Mae Gardner; Sisters-in-law, Ethel Thornton and Elnora Miller; uncles, Charles Peterson, Ernie Peterson, Pete Peterson, Willie Simms and Uncle Caesar.

Friends and family will be received from 4 to 8 p.m. Friday, March 26, in First Baptist Church, 541 Allen Avenue, Donora, PA 15033, 724-379-9380, where a Celebration of Life will take place at 1 p.m. Saturday, March 27. Interment in Belle Vernon Cemetery, 176 Tranquility Lane, Belle Vernon, PA 15012, 724-929-5266.

Repast at Monessen Fireman’s Social Hall, 15 Eastgate Avenue, Monessen, PA 15062, 724-684-3771, immediately following burial.

The family would like to extend its gratitude to ViaQuest Hospice and staff for its compassionate support and caring, and a special thank you to Nurse Joan Holets. Also Hallsworth House and staff for the care and treatment our mother received. She really enjoyed her stay while she was there.

Arrangements of comfort by House of Law, Inc.