Anita Gardiner

MADAWASKA LAKE – Anita Gardiner, 90, died February 5, 2024 at Caribou following a period of declining health. She was born on the family farm in New Sweden on July 4, 1933. She was a 1950 graduate of Caribou High School, and she married Clayton Gardiner on August 28, 1950. She assisted her husband in running the family businesses, Clayton’s Diner and Roadside Grocery. Anita was a member of and attended both Holy Rosary and St. Theresa’s Catholic Churches. She was a member and past regent of the Daughters of Isabella, and the Perkins-Plourde Post 136 American Legion Ladies Auxiliary. Anita was a loving and devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. She enjoyed knitting, housecleaning, cooking and playing bridge. She also enjoyed playing “crazy cards” with seven other ladies and Dean. She is survived by her children, Dean Gardiner of Madawaska Lake, Theresa Bragg and husband John of Venice, FL, Karen Conroy and husband Danny of Caribou, her three beloved grandchildren, Aaron Conroy, Corey Conroy, and Matthew Cary, six great-grandchildren, and a daughter-in-law, Beth Gardner of Cape Coral, FL. Mrs. Gardiner was predeceased by her husband, and two sons, Clayton “Jack” Gardiner, and Jimmy Gardner. Friends may call at the Mockler Funeral Home, 24 Reservoir Street, Caribou, on Friday, February 9, 2024 from 6PM until 8PM. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Saturday, February 10, 2024 at 1PM from the Parish of the Precious Blood St. Theresa’s Catholic Church, Stockholm. Following the service all are invited to the church hall for a time of continued fellowship and refreshments. Friends who wish to contribute in memory of Anita are asked to do so through the Jack Gardiner Scholarship at Caribou High School, 308 Sweden Street, Caribou, ME 04736. Spring interment will be in Sacred Heart Catholic Cemetery, North Caribou.