Armone Jean Gardner
February 18, 1945 - December 20, 2018
Nurse, Loving Wife, Fiercely Loyal Mother, Devoted Grandma (Nona), and Life of the Party…
Armone Jean Gardner died on December 20, 2018, surrounded by family, after courageously battling an unusual neurological condition she contracted 30 years ago.
Jean was born on February 18, 1945 in Price, Utah to Armand and Katherine (Kay) Cafarelli. Along with her younger sister, Mary Jo, Jean spent her youth in Rose Park, Utah. She attended Bishop Glass Elementary School. Jean then attended Judge Memorial Catholic High School, where she met the love of her life, Gregory James Gardner, in their freshman year. They later married on August 5, 1966. Their 50+ years of marriage was an inspiration to many.
Jean got her nursing certificate at St Joseph's Hospital in Denver so that she could follow in her mother's footsteps and pursue a career as a nurse. She worked as a Registered Nurse at several area hospitals, including LDS, University of Utah, Holy Cross, Shriners, and Jordan Valley.
Jean and Greg had three boys: Gregory Christopher (in 1970), Anthony James (in 1975) and Timothy Michael (in 1976).
One of Jean and Greg's greatest joys was spending time with their boys, making memories. From annual trips to Hebgen Lake in Montana, to Jean's infamous parties, to cheering on her boys while they were playing sports at St. Vincent's de Paul and Judge Memorial High School, to watching her youngest son, Tim, coach basketball at Juan Diego and Judge Memorial high schools, Jean was in her element when she was surrounded by people, enjoying life's everyday moments.
Jean met many of her closest friends by getting to know the parents of her boys' friends, and she cherished her role as a second mother to many of her boys' friends. It never took Jean more than a minute to make a life-long friend. Jean cherished every relationship she had with her family and friends. She would drop everything to spend time with someone, buy the perfect gift for someone, call to check on someone, or throw a party for someone. Her goal was always to focus on others in an effort to make their day better, regardless of what was going on in her own life at the time.
Jean's love of creating meaningful moments shone most bright when her eight grandchildren entered the world. Jean moved heaven and earth to put a sparkle in each of her grandkid's eyes, which she regularly did through acts big and small. Her special gift to everyone, but particularly her grandchildren, was to make sure that they knew how deeply she loved them.
Jean is survived by her husband Greg; her sister, Mary Jo Owens (Alan); her mother Kay Cafarelli; her boys Chris (Marcie), Anthony (Ashley) and Tim (Alli); and her grandchildren Cayten, Katie, Makena, Chloe, Evie, Finley, Anna, and Isabelle. She is preceded in death by her father, Armand, who she is dancing with in heaven.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be sent to Judge Memorial High School or Juan Diego High School in Jean's name.
A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, January 5, 2019 at 2:00 pm at St. Vincent de Paul Parish, 1375 Spring Lane, Salt Lake City. A visitation will begin at 1:00 pm with recitation of the Holy Rosary at 1:40 pm. Jean loved bright, happy colors, a sea of bright colors at her service would be welcomed and appreciated. Immediately following the Mass there will be a celebration of her life in Holy Family Hall.
In Loving Memory
What a lovely tribute. It appears that she was a light to all that met her.
Michelle Collins
Bedford, TX
Our prayers and condolences are extended to the Gardner Family in this time of loss. Sincerely, Bill and Toni
William Batt
Riverton, UT
Dear Gardner and Cafarelli Families: Jean was always a ray of sunshine whenever we met. Our mothers were both active nurses in Utah and passed that attribute to both of us girls. Jean and my family crossed paths over the years bragging our kids and then precious grandchildren. She had a radiant appreciation for life despite her limitations. She was well loved and will dearly missed . God Bless you all . Maureen Baker Gallegos and Joe Gallegos
Maureen Baker Gallegos
Sandy, Ut
Dear Kaye, Mary Jo, Greg, Tim, Anthony, Chris and Gardner Family and Friends, My heart is with you at celebratation of Jeans Completion of her Circle of Life. So very many fond memories of Jeans beautiful friendship to our family of friends. Peace and Love Always
Charlotte Mates
Moab, Ut
My thoughts are with you.
Joshua Stanchfield
nan, nan
My family is sorry very sorry about the loss of Jean. It’s been a long time since our St Vincent days, but we have so many memories of her. She was a very kind and happy person. May she Rest In Peace and May you all find comfort through friends and family.
Elizabeth Kirts Smith
Cottonwood Heights, Ut
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family Greg. So very sorry for your loss.
Bill & Sandy Purnhagen
Westfield, In
We are so very sorry to hear that Jeannie has passed away. She was such a wonderful lady. We have so many good memories of Jeannie and all your family during those Judge high school years. We extend our deepest sympathies to all of Jeannie’s family.
Maryanne and Bill Murray
Salt Lake City, UT
My sincerest sympathies.
John Kandaris
Price, UT
Dear Greg and family, love and prayers are with you. Geanie was everyone's best friend. She always made everyone feel she was so glad to see them. A light has gone for now but will forever burn in my heart. Thanks for all the love and support you are to my Sis. Whst a great group of friends you are.
Pat Brown
Herriman, Ut
Greg & family, sending all of you our warmest regards at this time. The Aloia Family
Maggie Aloia
Salt Lake City, Ut
Greg and All, Jean was such a beautiful light in this world and had the gift of making everyone she was with feel so special including me. Her strength and grace was amazing! Sending thoughts and prayers your way. Love, Christy Meade Olivier
Christy Meade Olivier
Portland, OR
Greg and family, we have lost two special and loving people who would do anything for their families-Jean and Abby. They are sitting together in God's arms and they are at peace and have no pain. This is our consolation. We love you all. Peggy, Ab and family
Peggy and Ab Oppocher
West Valley City, Ut
I was sorry to hear the news. Mrs. Gardner was a lovely human being whose smile and kindness meant so much to me and my parents. My prayers are with Mr. Gardner and the family.
Susie Wilson Purol
West Palm Beach, Fl
I will always and forever cherish the week I spent with Jeannie and my Aunt Kay when I went there with my grandfather Martin Miller. Jean, I will carry you in my heart and my memory. I love you. I wish I could be there to say goodbye. Condolences to our family. You will all be in my prayers.
Shelby Fulka (Miller)
Loveland, Co
Our sincere condolences to Greg and his family on Jean's passing. She was always such a cheerful person to talk with at the Cottonwood Club or when we saw her at Mass. Our prayers are with your family.
Larry & Ellen Henkels
Hollady, UT
Jean and I graduated from St Joseph Hospital school of nursing in Denver, CO. I remember Jeanne fondly. She was a petite body always in motion with an infectious laugh and generous spirit. Jean kept in touch with the group of graduates remaining in Denver. We are all saddened about the loss of your mother and wife. Shirley Tracy Arvada, Colorado
Shirley Tracy
Arvada, CO
We are so very sorry for your loss. Jeanie was always such a delightful person to be around. We've known her for such a long time, and were so happy to see her all of the times we were out shopping,etc. We'll miss her! I know she's with you, and I'm sure Heaven has become much brighter with her there. God bless her and all of her family. Carmen and Larry Ontiveros
Carmen Ontiveros
Murray, Ut
Dear Greg and family I am so sorry to hear of the loss of dear Jeannie I have such great memories of our youthful fun we had together Jeanie had a spirt and joy never to be duplicated may she rest in peace. Rita Cunningham Berzins classmate and loving friend
Rita J Berzins
Westminster, Co
Dear Jean, The world is a better place because you were here and I am a better person because I knew you. May you rest in peace. Carolyn
Carolyn Wallin
Salt Lake City, UT
Dear Greg, all the Gardner family, Kay and Mary Jo, We were so sorry to hear about Jeanne. I was also a classmate of hers at St Joseph’s School of Nursing and have so many fond memories from those days. Jeanne had a little Fiat and a bunch of us would pile into that car and go to Shakey’s pizza place or a bar where we could get 3.2 beer! Jeanne was so much fun and spirited. We only got to see each other a few times at reunions over the years but kept in touch occasionally by phone. I admired her positive attitude and love of life; even after she was confined to a wheelchair. She was truly an inspiration to all who knew her. Our hearts and prayers go out to you all as you go through this time of grief. May God be with you and grant you comfort and peace. With deepest sympathy and caring, Flossie and Rich
Florence ODay
Arvada, CO