Joyce B. Gardner

Joyce Eloise Baier Gardner, Annville, went home to her Savior and Lord on August 20, 2015. She was 91. Born in Lebanon on August 10, 1924, she was the daughter of the late Howard “Lobby” Baier and Mary Hetrick Baier. After graduating from Lebanon High School in 1942, Joyce worked as an artist for several local screen engraving companies, including Lebanon Valley Engraving, and served faithfully as a children’s Sunday School teacher at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church. On October 24, 1954, Joyce married the late Conard Gardner of Annville. Together, they raised three children: Mike, husband of Patti Gallagher Gardner, Ponce Inlet, FL; Jim, husband of Mary Meyer Gardner, Annville; and Kathy, wife of David Wingert, Lebanon. During her golden years, Joyce most enjoyed being “Nana” to her seven grandchildren: Jennifer, David, Matt, Mary Rebecca, Daniel, Chris, and Katie. Last August, she welcomed the addition of great-grandchild Jack and, when not visiting him in person, enjoyed scrolling Facebook for his latest photos. For most of her adult life, Joyce was singularly focused on caring for the needs of her children, her elderly father, and eventually her ailing husband. Her activities outside the home followed the interests of her children, particularly the sport of competitive swimming. A long-time board member and meet volunteer for the A-C Swim Team, she was the consummate swim mom, swim grandma, and coach’s mom, attending age group and college meets for more than 50 years. She also served as a volunteer at the Annville Free Library. In her later years, Joyce made the Evangelical Free Church of Hershey her church home and joined its North Annville Community Group. She and Conard relished the Sunday evening gatherings of this group as they met for fellowship and study. A celebration of Joyce’s life and faith is planned for Sunday, August 30, at 3:30 p.m. at the Evangelical Free Church of Hershey, 330 Hilltop Road, Hummelstown, PA, 17036. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions be made to the Evangelical Free Church of Hershey; to the scholarship fund of the A-C Swim Team (“LVST”), c/o Lynne Gryboski, Treasurer, 427 West Locust Street, Cleona, PA 17042; or to the Lebanon Valley Home, 550 East Main Street, Annville, PA 17003, where Joyce received loving rehabilitative care that allowed her to return home.

Joyce B. Gardner

August 10, 1924 - August 20, 2015