Muriel Gardner
Muriel VanGelder Gardner
October 14, 1927 to November 29, 2009
It is with sadness her family announces her passing on November 29, 2009.
Born Muriel Anita Stockton on October 14, 1929 in Albany, NY to Alexander Stockton and Maude Irvin Stockton.
Muriel was raised in Orwell, NY. She attended Oswego State Teachers' College, graduating in 1948. She eventually completed a Masters in Education from St. Lawrence University. Muriel was dedicated teacher, completing 43 years in the Clifton-Fine School District. She began in 1949 just as the school district was centralizing. She retired in 1992. She taught Kindergarten, First grade, and adult home economics.
During her life, Muriel was tirelessly devoted to various social causes. She was one of a very few individuals starting the Northern New York Fresh Air Fund, bringing inner New York City youth to Northern New York to experience a rural summer. She provided countless hours to the Northern New York chapter of the American Cancer Society, coordinating fundraising events.
Leading to and during retirement, Muriel enjoyed international travel to Equatorial Pacific Islands, Europe, the Middle East and Africa. In retirement, Muriel and her husband wintered in the Arizona dessert. Muriel was a life long seamstress, especially developing a talent and fondness for designing and making quilts. She also had a great appreciation for music and faithfully played piano and organ at the First Baptist Church in Oswegatchie for many years. Muriel also had a love for God and participated in Bible Studies regularly after her retirement. She had a heart for missions and for those less fortunate. For many years she spearheaded clothing drives for a refugee camp in Zimbabwe. Muriel was a life long learner.
Muriel is predeceased by her parents and her husband Richard VanGelder of Canandaigua, NY. Muriel and Richard were married in June of 1950. Richard passed January 13, 1977.
Muriel is survived by her husband Goodwin Gardner of DeKalb Jct., NY. Muriel and Goodwin were married October of 1988. They shared homes in Star Lake, DeKalb Jct., and Green Valley, AZ.
She is survived by her children: Barbara VanGelder Mlambo of Ephrata, PA, her husband Max Mlambo and their children, Debra and David; Bethany VanGelder McMullen of Willow Street, PA, her husband Gary McMullen and their children Michael and Gabriel; Eric VanGelder of Concord, NH his wife Patricia Blevens and their children Jasmin and Phoebe; and Ellen VanGelder of Boscawen, NH.
Muriel's family is extremely grateful to the devoted care givers at the Spicer Adult Care home in Canton, NY. Their kindness is overwhelming.
Arrangements are with the Hawley Funeral Home in Star Lake, NY. Calling hours will be Friday December 4th from 4 to 7 PM. Service will be Saturday December 5th at 1PM at the Oswegatchie Baptist Church in Oswegatchie, NY. The Reverends Kevin Bates and John Fetterhoff will officiate.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests you consider a contribution to; The Richard VanGelder Memorial Scholarship at Clifton-Fine Central School Star Lake, NY; the Day Spring Christian Academy at 1008 New Holland Ave., Lancaster, PA 17601.
