Obituary of Lois F. Gardner

Lois F. Gardner, age 78, of Satellite Beach, Florida, passed away on December 20, 2022, in Palm Bay, Florida. Lois was born in Peabody, Massachusetts to Stewart and Frances (Kuishmick) Martin on January 26, 1944. After attending secretarial school, she married Philip Gardner of Lynn, Massachusetts, and they had their daughter, Nancy, in 1966. Lois worked in a dental office in Billerica, Mass, for several years until Nancy graduated from high school.

After moving from Massachusetts in 1984, Lois spent over 30 years in Fort Myers Beach, Florida where she made many, many lasting friendships. She loved her home on Madison Court, where her neighbors became lifelong and cherished friends. She also maintained lasting friendships with a number of special people from her years working at the Gulf Shore, and later, the Munch Box restaurants. A stray cat that wandered into her yard became a quirky, much-loved companion and was named Dolly (Madison) after the lively street on which Lois lived.

Of course, the center of Lois's life was her family - Nancy, her son-in-law Charlie, and especially her beloved granddaughter Kelly Orbell. She and Kelly had a unique and incredibly close bond and had years of memorable adventures together. They enjoyed countless hours outside in Montana, Texas, Maine and Florida at various playgrounds and parks, and played endless games of cards while watching every episode of Gilligan's Island over and over and over... The sleepovers, the visits to the zoo and the Edison House, the movies, Barnes and Noble, Chinese takeout, favorite cheesesteaks, fish sandwiches at McDonald's, meals at Perkins, Highlights magazines, the summer spent in the RV in Maine, and so, so much more, meant the world to Lois. Kelly will now treasure these memories of her grandmother for the rest of her life.

In later years, the entire family found themselves in Satellite Beach, Florida, and Lois was able to spend even more time with her family, and meet some wonderful new friends, as well.

Lois touched many people during her 78 years; she led an uncomplicated, but very meaningful life. She was kind, funny, quick witted in that distinctive New England way, and generous to friends and others with her time, small gifts, and always with greeting cards for every occasion. Friends and family could always count on cheerful cards and notes on their birthdays and holidays and every event in between.

Lois is survived by her immediate family of Nancy, Charlie, and Kelly, other relatives in Massachusetts, and numerous friends who will miss her immensely. She was preceded in death by her parents and her husband Phil. 

Donations may be made online in Lois's name to the Health First Foundation, directed to the William Childs Hospice House at HFgive.org, or mailed to Health First Foundation, 1350 South Hickory St., Melbourne, FL 32901; please reference the William Childs Hospice House in the memo line. The family will forever be grateful to this hospice for providing peace and comfort to Lois in her final hours.

A private celebration of life will be held in the near future.