Obituary of Barbara A. Gardiner

On Sunday, May 17th, Barbara Gardiner was welcomed into Heaven. Barbara was predeceased by her loving husband, Ray H. Gardiner, with whom she spent 33 wonderful years and raised two daughters. She is survived by daughter, Theresa Watford, son-in-law Bruce Watford and Grandson, Dempsey Watford, Daughter, Barbara Dennison, son-in-law Glen Dennison and Grandson, Tyler Dennison all of Old Saybrook. She is also survived by her mother, Sarah Bellante of Meriden, CT and sister, Sarah Becker of Old Saybrook, CT. A native to Old Saybrook with deep roots in the community she loved the Shoreline. Barbara was a devout Catholic and a member of the Ladies Guild of Saint John's Church in Old Saybrook. She was a wiz at numbers and worked as a Comptroller. Barbara was a wonderful mother and a woman of quiet kindness and great generosity. If she learned of anyone facing a hardship she wanted to help but preferred to do so anonymously, as she was not comfortable with adoration but preferred the comfort that she had made someone's life better. Barbara will be greatly missed by anyone who knew her, especially, her two grandsons who meant the world to her and she was their light. She had a love of music, and was especially fond of Country and live theatre. Barbara instilled in her children the love of God, music, sports and family. At the young age of 52 Barbara found herself a widow. Before the angels took Ray to Heaven, he wanted her to promise him that she would live a happy life and not be alone. Years later, Barbara was encouraged to join a Square Dancing Club like one she had enjoyed in her youth. It was there she met Donald Bugbee of Old Lyme. For 12 years, Barbara and Don enjoyed music, travel and their love for life and family. Barbara has now joined Ray and her grandparents, Grannie and Granda in heaven. Visitation will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, May 21, 2015 at the Robinson, Wright & Weymer Funeral Home, 34 Main Street in Centerbrook. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, May 22, 2015 at St. John Church, 161 Main Street in Old Saybrook. Burial will follow in the Resurrection Cemetery, Route 145 in Westbrook. Because of Mom's love to help those in need, memorial contributions may be made to Safe Futures, 16 Jay Street, New London, CT. 06320. To share a memory of Barbara or send a condolence to her family please visit www.rwwfh.com .