SINSINAWA — Dominican Sister Mary Gardner (Marie David) died January 1 at St. Dominic Villa, Sinsinawa. The Mass of Resurrection was held in Queen of the Rosary Chapel at Sinsinawa January 6, followed by burial in the Motherhouse Cemetery.
Sister Mary made her first religious profession as a Sinsinawa Dominican August 5, 1939, and her final profession August 5, 1942. Sister Mary ministered as a teacher for 35 years, including three years as principal. She served in Hispanic pastoral ministry for 14 years and as a member of the Cultural Heritage staff at the Motherhouse for six years. She served in Illinois, South Dakota, New York, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, Wisconsin, and California.
In the Diocese of Madison, Sister Mary taught at Edgewood Campus School, Madison, 1956-1963. She ministered as a member of the Cultural Heritage staff at the Motherhouse, 1991-1997.
Sister Mary was born June 4, 1919, in Milwaukee, the daughter of Cameron and Virginia (Downey) Gardner.
Memorials may be made to the Sinsinawa Dominicans, 585 Cty. Rd. Z, Sinsinawa, WI, 53824-9701 or go to www.sinsinawa.org, click on “Donate to Us,” then “Honors and Memorials.”
Repeat broadcasts of the wake and funeral for Sister Mary are available online at www.ustream.tv/Sinsinawa