WESTERLO — Linda K. Gardiner — a stalwart member of the First Baptist Church of Westerlo who dearly loved her grandchildren — died on Wednesday, Feb. 3, 2021, at St. Peter’s Hospital. She was 71.

She was born on May 16, 1949 in Sherman, Texas to the late Frank S. and Juanita Sisemore Key. She was raised in Texas and it was there that she met her husband, Lawrence E. Gardiner, while he was stationed at Perrin Air Force Base.

They were married on Oct. 3, 1970, and shortly after transferred to Westover Air Force Base in Chicopee Falls, Massachusetts until he was discharged in 1972. They then moved to Plano, Texas, where Mrs. Gardiner focused on being a mother and homemaker.

The family moved to Westerlo in 1979 and became very active members of the First Baptist Church of Westerlo. Mrs. Gardiner worked as the church secretary from 1987 to 1991 and served many roles through the years. 

She was the teacher and director of the church’s vacation, taught with pioneer clubs, was a member of the choir, and served as the music director. She also led a women’s Bible study for many years.

“She loved to play the piano and gave lessons to many students,” her family wrote in a tribute. “Her greatest joys were her nine grandchildren, whom she loved dearly and enjoyed spending time with.”

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Linda K. Gardiner is survived by her beloved husband, Lawrence E. Gardiner; her children, Scott Gardiner and his wife, Karen, John Gardiner and his wife, Sarah, and Stephanie Johnstone and her husband, TJ; her grandchildren, Meg, Peter, Molly, Kira, Amanda, Emma, Zachary, Benjamin, and Carissa; her siblings, Glenda Morgan and Dennis Key; and many nieces and nephews.

Calling hours will be held on Thursday, Feb. 11, from 4 to 7 p.m. at the A.J. Cunningham Funeral Home, 4898 State Route 81, Greenville, NY 12083. Forty visitors are allowed into the funeral home at a time, and visitors are required to wear masks and remain socially distant.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday Feb. 13, at 2 p.m. at the First Baptist Church of Westerlo, 618 State Route 143, Westerlo, NY 12193. Burial will take place in the spring. 

Memorial contributions may be made to the Capital City Rescue Mission, 259 South Pearl St., Albany, NY 12202.