Margaret M. (McKay) Gardiner

On Friday November 25, 2022, Margaret Gardiner (McKay), 87, passed away at HopeHealth Hulitar Hospice Center. Margaret Gardiner was born on March 3, 1935 and resided in Cranston, RI until retirement when she moved to Warwick, RI. She is predeceased by her former husband Elmer Gardiner, and survived by her six children; Kathleen Rodrigues widowed of the late Paul Rodrigues (East Providence), Linda (David) Amaral (East Providence), Ellen Gardiner married to Greg Shelnutt (Delaware), Thomas Gardiner (North Kingstown), Steven (Jeanne) Gardiner (West Warwick) and Michael J. Gardiner (Providence). In addition to her six children she is survived by 8 grandchildren; Jennifer, Mary Beth, Daniel, Christina, Kristen, Emily, Benjamin, and Andrew and 2 great grandchildren; Sarah and Silas. 

Family woman is one of the best ways to describe Margaret. She is remembered as being strong, funny, practical, and caring. While Margaret raised six successful children, she worked for her late former husband’s insurance agency and later was an employee of AIPSO for 25 years. Clearly, one could also say that she was fiercely loyal. Margaret lived a full life of simple pleasures including reading, visiting the shoreline of Rhode Island (Sand Hill Cove to be exact), making sure her loved ones were fed (don’t forget the chocolate!), and watching the Great British Baking Show in her later years. She was also sure to check on the various pets in the family, enjoying the stories of mischief that occurred outside of her home. If you were ever to travel to the United Kingdom, Margaret would excitedly share a slew of recommendations of things to do including a must have of afternoon tea with a delicious scone. Margaret made sure that things were in order, and held down the fort as the matriarch and glue to the family. 

Margaret loved her friends and family deeply and that sentiment was returned. Her funeral will be held on Wednesday, November 30 at 8:45 AM from "WOODLAWN" Funeral Home, 600 Pontiac Avenue, Cranston. Followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 AM in St. Gregory the Great Catholic Church,  360 Cowesett Road, Warwick. Burial will follow at St. Ann Cemetery, Cranston. To pay respects, calling hours will be held on Tuesday, November 29 from 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM in the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, the family encourages memorial donations made to HopeHealth Hulitar Hospice Center, 1085 North Main Street, Providence, RI 02904 and Catholic Charities.

Please share memories and condolences at www.WoodlawnRI.com