Marlborough – Elaine J. (Dudley) Gardner, 83, of Marlborough, died on July 28, 2021, at Holden Rehabilitation and Skilled Nursing Center. She was the wife of Jon S. Gardner for the past 62 years.
She was born and raised in Marlborough, the daughter of the late Alfred and Dolores (Scott) Dudley, and was a 1956 graduate of St. Michael Catholic High School in Hudson. She was a former member of St. Mary’s Church in Marlborough.
She pursued her love of trivia through crossword puzzles and “Jeopardy!” Her caring and nurturing nature extended to her flower garden and house plants. She enjoyed knitting and Oriental rug hooking. An avid baker, during the holidays she loved sharing her creations with family and friends. No one left Mémère’s kitchen without a tin of something sweet.
Elaine was a devoted mother to her five children, especially to her youngest daughter, Sally Jo. She will always be remembered for her selfless generosity and sense of humor. The family would like to thank the staff at Holden Rehab Oak Unit and Notre Dame Hospice for all their care and dedication.
She leaves two sons, Gary A. and Thomas J. Gardner, both of Worcester; three daughters, Jean E. Johnson and her husband Daniel of Chicago and Dorothy S. Sachs and Sally Jo Gardner, both of Holden; a sister, Pauline Emond of Marlborough; two grandchildren, Madison E. and Jacob B. Sachs, both of Holden; and numerous nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her siblings, Ronald, Donald, Alfred and Arlene.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, Aug. 3, at 9:30 a.m., in the Immaculate Conception Church, Prospect Street, Marlborough. Burial will follow at Evergreen Cemetery. Calling hours will be held Monday, Aug. 2, from 5-8 p.m., at Collins Funeral Home, 378 Lincoln St., Marlborough.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Michael Lisnow Respite Center in Hopkinton or Seven Hills Foundation in Worcester.
