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Henrietta Gardner
October 13, 1921 to December 8, 2022
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Henrietta “Hon” Gardner, 101, passed away peacefully at her home surrounded by her loving family on December 8, 2022. Born in New Castle on October 13, 1921, Hon was the daughter of the late Albert and Clara (Venditto) Colella.
Hon was the graduate of New Castle High School and a member of the majorettes. She proudly served as the first head majorette for New Castle High School. She went on to attend Mount Mercy College and Louise Salinger School of Design in Pittsburgh. One of her fondest memories was taking the train back and forth to Pittsburgh to go to school. Using her education and talents as a seamstress, she designed and made dresses for Troutmans, Claire Brown and Simon Blau. She later retired from Saint Francis Hospital where she worked in the cafeteria. She continued sewing for friends and family into her late eighties.
She was an active member of Holy Spirit Parish, Saint Vincent de Paul site, where she served as a lector. Hon had a deep adoration for Jesus and the Saints, particularly, Mary the Blessed Mother. She was deeply humbled by being awarded the “Manifesting the Kingdom Award” from Bishop David Zubik in 2015 in recognition of her exceptional service to the church.
A loving mother, grandmother, great grandmother, and a great-great grandmother Hon’s greatest joy was the time she spent with her family, especially all of her grandchildren. She loved gathering for large family dinners and was known for her homemade pizza, meatballs and her delicious nut rolls.
Hon is survived by her children, William “Buzzy“ Gardner (Kathy) of McMurray PA; Carol Ann Gardner Malizia of New Castle; Denise Donaghue (Dave) of Sagamore Hills, Ohio; Lori Gardner Kobayashi of New Castle; Sona Kennedy of Cranberry Township, PA; and Geri Orrico (Rocky) of New Castle; 17 grandchildren, 28 great grandchildren and one great-great grandchild.
In addition to her parents and husband, Hon was preceded in death by two sisters, Anna Goglano and Angeline Christofer, and three infant granddaughters.
Visitation will be on Sunday 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm at the Ed and Don DeCabo Funeral Home & Crematory, 941 South Mill St. A procession will leave the funeral home on Monday at 10:30 am for a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 am at Holy Spirit Parish, St. Vitus Church. Father Aaron Kriss will officiate. Burial will be in St. Joseph Cemetery.
Eternal rest grant unto Hon, O Lord. Let perpetual light shine upon her. May her soul, and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.
