Shirley Marlene Gardner
Posted Nov 10, 2021 | 2:59 PM
GARDNER, Shirley Marlene (nee Martinson) – It is with great sorrow we announce the passing of Shirley Gardner of Melfort, Saskatchewan on October 28, 2021 with her husband Burk by her side. Shirley was born on July 24, 1944, at the St. Paul’s Hospital, Saskatoon, SK. She was raised in the Broderick, SK area with her younger brother Wayne and parents, Melvin and Dorothy Martinson. She married Burk Gardner on August 18, 1962, at the Saskatchewan River Lutheran Church, Broderick, SK. After their marriage Burk and Shirley lived for a short time in Kerrobert, SK and then found their footing in Melfort, SK where Shirley started work with the Melfort Journal as a Linotype Operator. Shortly after, Burk and Shirley established and built Burk’s Business Machines Ltd, a successful business in the community for 30 years. Many will remember Shirley’s weekly themed doll displays in the store front window and the Barbie clothes for sale in the display case near the cash register. Sewing was her hobby, passion and creative outlet, and oh how amazing and talented she was. In her early Melfort years Shirley was busy working and raising a family, a loving mother to her son Christopher Barry Gardner, born on November 10, 1969, and her daughter Christine Nicole Gardner, born on August 4, 1971. As her family grew and became more independent her passion for all things Barbie and sewing blossomed into a substantial Barbie doll collection and side business, often on display as “Putting on the Glitz” throughout crafts show events in Saskatchewan and Alberta. Her creativeness and superb craftsmanship were easily seen in all that she created. She also loved material as it was the foundation of her craft. She could shop almost endlessly for just the right fabric, knowing and seeing in her mind from the fabric on the roll just what beautiful creation it would become, and the more glitter, the better. One of her favourite quotes from her mother was “If a job is worth doing, it’s worth doing well”. Shirley also treasured her long-time friends, enjoyed many years with her family and friends at Marean Lake, SK and in later years Yuma, AZ. She was kind, giving, a lover of cats, and fond of big hugs.
Surviving Shirley are her husband of 59 years Burk Gardner, son Barry Gardner, daughter Nicole (Mark) Bouliane, brother Wayne (Marlene) Martinson and sons: James, Michael. Shirley was predeceased by her parents Melvin and Dorothy Martinson of Broderick, SK.
Shirley’s Funeral Service was held from the Fedusiak Funeral Chapel, Melfort, on Thursday, November 4, 2021 with Pastor Larry Rempel officiating. The interment followed on Friday, November 5, 2021 at the Saskatchewan River Lutheran Church Cemetery, Broderick, Saskatchewan.
Friends so wishing may make memorial contributions to the North East SPCA, PO Box 189, Melfort, SK S0E 1A0.
To leave condolences for the Family, please visit the online guestbook at www.fedusiakfuneralchapel.com.
Funeral arrangements were entrusted to Fedusiak Funeral Chapel & Crematorium, Melfort. (306)752-3838.
- Date : 2021-10-28
- Location : Melfort, SK