Barbara (Thayer) Gardner, 94, formerly of Shrewsbury, died Monday, June 8, 2009 in Holden Nursing Home after an illness.

    Her husband of 51 years, Dean L. Gardner, died in 1993. She leaves a daughter, Nancy Martone and her husband Patrick of Rutland; two grandchildren, Michelle and Molly Martone of Rutland; two nieces, Deborah Thayer and Lyndsey Wells both of Providence, RI. Her son, Alan D. Gardner, a brother, Earl F. Thayer, a grandson, Nicolas Martone and a niece, Meredith Thayer predeceased her. She was born in East Providence, RI the daughter of Earl F. and Anna M. (Gartner) Thayer, Sr. She lived 30 years in Shrewsbury before moving to Rutland and living the last eleven years receiving excellent care at Holden Nursing Home.

    Mrs. Gardner worked for Narragansett Electric in Providence, RI for many years. She was the Mechanics Hall Librarian in Worcester and also volunteered at the Shrewsbury Library. Barbara was a member of the Second Church Christ Scientist of Worcester and the First Church Christ Scientist of Boston. She was a member of the Thirteenth District President's Club, past president of the Shrewsbury Woman's Club and she belonged to the Crewel Sewing group.

    A memorial service for Barbara will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, June 13th, in the First Congregational Church of Rutland, 264 Main Street. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to, Holden Nursing Home Residents Activity Fund, 32 Mayo Drive, Holden or Sweet Pea Friends of Rutland Animals Inc., P.O. Box 897, Rutland, MA 01543. Miles Funeral Home, 1158 Main Street, Holden is directing arrangements.