Freda Mae Gardner, age 92 of Mount Vernon, passed away on Sunday, March 16th, 2025, at Knox Community Hospital after an extended illness. She was born to the late Emma Frazee Burchard and Dow Burchard on June 1st, 1932.
In 1949 she married Thomas Gardner Sr. and gave birth to her first daughter, the late Linda Gardner, in 1951. In subsequent years she gave birth to two more daughters, Laura Gardner Wedemeyer and Karen Gardner Betancourt. She also gave birth to two sons, Thomas Gardner Jr. and the late Richard Gardner.
A loving mother, grandmother and homemaker, she was a remarkable award-winning cook, and enjoyed preparing meals for her family and friends, especially over the holidays.
A deeply devout woman, she was a founding member of The Church on The Rise.
The epitome of grace to everyone she encountered, she is survived by a large contingent of extended family.
Freda was predeceased by her daughter, Linda Gardner, her son, Richard Gardner, her sister, Mary Carpenter, and brothers

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