Susan Ann Gardiner

Toms River, NJ & South Portland - Susan A. Gardiner, 89, passed away peacefully at her home, surrounded by her loving family, on October 11, 2023. She was born in Portland, Maine, on May 8, 1934, to the late Susan and Frank Logan. Susan's life was a beautiful tapestry woven with love, faith, and devotion. On July 25, 1951, Susan married her high school sweetheart, Frank, at St. Joseph's Church in Portland. Their love story began just before Frank was called into active duty during the Korean War. Susan's unwavering support and love sustained their relationship during those challenging times. Their marriage was built on the strong foundations of faith, love, and a deep connection that would last a lifetime. While raising five children, Susan was primarily a homemaker. Her nurturing spirit and selflessness shone through in every aspect of her life. Yet, she also extended her caring nature to the community, working in various part-time roles with the South Portland Municipal Golf Course and South Portland Rec Center, where she played an instrumental role in the lives of countless preschool children. Family was the heart of Susan's life, and she found immense joy in her role as a grandmother and great-grandmother. Her home was a welcoming sanctuary where cherished moments were shared, laughter filled the air, and love abounded. She had a unique ability to make everyone feel at home, and her warmth was a testament to the love she carried within her. Susan's faith was unwavering and provided her with strength throughout her life. She was a dedicated and longtime communicant of both St. John the Evangelist Church and Holy Cross Church in South Portland, where her presence was a source of comfort and inspiration to her fellow parishioners. Though Susan's physical presence is no longer with us, her spirit lives on in the hearts of those who had the privilege of knowing her. Her life was a testament to the power of love, faith, and selflessness, and her memory will be cherished for generations to come. Susan was welcomed in Heaven by her beloved husband of 69 years, Frank Gardiner; sons, Stephen, Michael and Timothy Gardiner; daughter, Terri Lydon; grandsons, Daniel and Thomas Gordon and Bradley Gardiner; brother, Bill Logan; and sister, Barbara Logan. She is survived by her daughter, Mary Gordon and husband Patrick of New Jersey; daughter-in-laws, Peggy Gardiner of Florida, Fiona McLean Gardiner of North Carolina; grandchildren, Jaime Sterton (Brock) of California, Elizabeth Greene (Jerome) of Florida, Shawn Gordon (Megan) of Florida, Melisa Beaumont (Christopher) of Florida, Carrie Gordon of New Jersey, Linsey Bondi of Utah, Casey Gardiner of Georgia, Sarah Tirado (Lou) of South Portland, John Lydon (Jill) of South Portland, Kathleen Determan (Brian) of South Portland, Julia Lydon of Massachusetts; great-grandchildren, Emily, Madison, Parker, Finn, Tyler, Jackson, Madison, Michaela, Kylie, Colt, Jayden, Chloe, Brooklyn, Peyton, Skye, Jack, Ellie, Lucy, Joey, Olivia, and Emma. Her entire family and those who love her will continue to be inspired by her legacy of love, faith, and compassion. Visiting Hours celebrating Susan's life will be held on Tuesday, October 24 from 3-6PM at the Conroy-Tully Walker South Portland Chapel, 1024 Broadway, South Portland. Prayers will be recited at the funeral home on Wednesday, October 25 at 10:15AM followed by an 11AM Mass of Christian Burial at Holy Cross Church, 124 Cottage Road, South Portland. Interment will follow at Calvary Cemetery, Broadway, South Portland. To view Susan's memorial page or to share an online condolence, please visit www.ConroyTullyWalker.com.