Marian Elizabeth Gardiner
Marian Elizabeth Gardiner, 85, of Chardon, Ohio, passed away peacefully on Nov. 3, 2025, in Pensacola, Fla. She had been a resident of Florida since 2018.
Born in Cleveland, Ohio, on Sept. 9, 1940, Marian married Ralph E. Gardiner on Sept. 24, 1960. Together, they built their life in Chardon, where they attended Hambden Congregational Church and formed lifelong friendships. They raised their family in Chardon and created cherished memories during many family vacations to Canada and Upstate New York. They shared 51 wonderful years together before Ralph’s passing in 2011.
When she was young, Marian loved to dance and once danced on American Bandstand in high school. She shared her love of dancing with Ralph and they became avid square dancers, traveling to Hawaii, Tennessee and Canada with their club and close friends.
For more than 15 years, they also opened their home and hearts as foster parents in Geauga County.
Marian worked as the head cook at Holly Hill Retirement Home for many years and as a special needs bus attendant in Lake County for 10 years before retiring.
She is survived by her children, Bonnie Kennedy, Charles (Kelly) Gardiner and Bryan (Victoria) Gardiner; grandchildren, Ashley, Amber, Brandon, Nathan and Allayna Brooke; and great-grandson, Sampson. She is also survived by her brother, Gordon C. Meyer (Alice).
Marian’s life was defined by strength, kindness and deep devotion to her family. She is now at peace, reunited with Ralph and the loved ones who welcomed her home.
A memorial service will be held at Burr Funeral Home 116 South St., Chardon, on Dec. 6, 2025. Visitation will be at 10 a.m. with the service immediately following at 11a.m.
Marian will be laid to rest beside her beloved Ralph in a private service at Western Reserve Memorial Gardens in Chester Township, Ohio.
Arrangements are entrusted to Burr Funeral Home and Cremation Service. Online condolences and memories may be shared at www.burrservice.com.
