Folsom Funeral Service

It is with great sorrow that we announce the passing of our dear and forever loved mother, Clare A. Gardiner of Dedham, Massachusetts on December 12, 2024. 

Clare was born in 1940 to the late Chester Ward of Quincy, MA and Margarita Rogers of Pembroke, MA.  She was the sister of Barbara Borghi of Sagamore, MA, Earlene Peebles of Pembroke, MA, Patricia Rogers of Attleboro, MA and Richard Ward.  Clare was predeceased by her brothers Earl Rogers of Minnesota, Robert Rogers of Arizona, Frank Rogers of Halifax, MA and her sister Kathleen Rogers of Pembroke, MA.

Born of humble circumstances, Clare overcame a great deal of hardship to achieve her goals and create the life she wanted to live. She loved her life and those in it.  She faced adversity with strength, overcame difficulties through sheer determination and force of will and yet never lost her hopeful nature or her warm and caring heart. She was a sassy, forthright, straight shooting, take no prisoners woman with a heart of gold. She was fearless, funny and if you were her kid, maybe a little scary sometimes. “Though she be but little, she is fierce” is a quote which comes to mind when thinking of Clare.  She was an inspiration to all who knew her.

Clare was a natural born caregiver, full of compassion and the desire to help others.  At age 37, despite having five children ranging from grammar school to college, Clare set about realizing her lifelong dream of becoming a nurse.  Never one to back down from a challenge – or much of anything for that matter – she enrolled in Dedham High School for the 1977-1978 school year as a regular day student in order to complete the classes required for nursing school.  Needless to say, having a 5’2″ no nonsense mom of five attending high school with two of her kids made for some interesting stories! From Dedham High, she was accepted into the Newton Wellesley School of Nursing, obtaining her RN in 1980 at age 40. 

Clare spent the next 39 years working at her beloved Newton Wellesley Hospital, only retiring at age 79. Clare truly loved being a nurse and providing hands-on patient care was one of her greatest pleasures. Her patients and co-workers alike often marveled at her energy as well as her ability to juggle multiple issues while still managing to provide personalized care with kindness and a smile. They just had to make sure she had her coffee!

Clare’s dedication to helping and healing extended to her community. While working full time at Newton Wellesley Hospital, she also served as Dedham’s Town Nurse for a number of years.  Even in retirement she could be found around town volunteering at flu clinics or making home visits to residents and neighbors.  Clare was always there to answer a question, change a dressing or lend a hand to anyone who asked.  If there was need, she was there to fill it. 

While nursing was Clare’s calling and vocation, her greatest joy and biggest source of pride was her family. She leaves behind her children: Mary Ann Baril and her husband Bob, Donald Gardiner, Jr. and his wife Andria, Steven Gardiner and his wife Susan, Sandra Caruso and her late husband Fred, and Lynn Gardiner and her partner David Chambers. She also leaves behind many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, sisters, countless nieces, nephews, in-laws, friends and coworkers. 

Clare was so many things to so many people that it is impossible to put into words.  As our mother, she was a blessing in our lives that can never be replaced, but will always be remembered with love, admiration and gratitude.  Her laughter, her love and her essence will live on in our hearts.  If we are even half the person she was, then we will consider our lives a success.  

Fly with the angels Mom. “Love ya, bye”

As she preferred laughter to tears, and in lieu of formal services, we hope that you will join us to honor her memory, tell a story or two and perhaps share a laugh and smile. 

Sunday, January 5th from 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM at the American Legion Post 18, 155 Eastern Avenue, Dedham, MA.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Good Shepherd Community Care, 160 Wells Avenue, Newton, MA  02549 or online at www.GSCommunityCare.org.

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