Obituary of Loretta Ann Gardner
Loretta Ann (Pizzello) Gardner was born on July 19, 1937 in Seattle, Washington to Anthony & Laura (Santo) Pizzello. Loretta was born first, followed by her twin sister, Virginia, who arrived 34 minutes later. In 1940, their brother, Anthony, was born and their family was complete.
Upon graduation from Franklin High School, Loretta joined the community of The Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart. During her 20 years as a Cabrini Sister, she spent time as a principal and elementary teacher in a variety of places. Her placements took her to Scranton (Pennsylvania), Brooklyn (New York), Burbank (California), and ultimately Seattle, Washington.
After being released from her vows in 1976, Loretta continued working as an early education teacher in the Seattle area. She met Roland Gardner through a Catholic singles club and they were married in 1981 at St. John Catholic Church in Seattle. Three years later, Loretta & Roland were blessed with a daughter, Laurel, their only child. Together they enjoyed time at Port Susan, playing cards, and trips to Maine to visit the Gardner relatives.
Loretta kept busy even after her retirement from full-time teaching in 1992. She enjoyed being a Girl Scout Leader for several years, along with hosting students (primarily from Japan). It was in this role as “host mom” that she formed a special bond with Naoshi Taguchi and his family over the years. Loretta was an active volunteer at St. Luke Church in Shoreline, the Shoreline Senior Center, and Seattle Children’s Bargain Boutique. She had a servant’s heart and lived a life of compassion for others, fueled by her faith.
Following the death of her husband in 2015, Loretta spent three more years in their Shoreline house before moving to Vineyard Park Senior Living in Mountlake Terrace. It was in this community that she spent her last days.
Loretta leaves behind her daughter, Laurel Lee (Robbie), and granddaughters Aspen and Magnolia; her twin sister Virginia Gessner (Fred); brother Anthony Pizzello; brother-in-law Roger Gardner; and numerous nieces & nephews.
Loretta thanks all of you for attending this service. She invites you to attend the luncheon prepared by St. Luke’s Funeral Committee. See if you can have Martin tell you about the “hot dog specials.” And special thanks to his devoted wife, Toni, for always being on call. Thank you to Anthony & Virginia, the Skyping (Zoom) group, daughter Laurel, niece Jennifer (Gessner) Houghton, and close friends Buena Joshi and LeAna Proffitt.
