Frances T. Gardner, widow of David J. Gardner and beloved mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, died peacefully in her sleep at her residence in Irvine, California on January 27, 2016. She was 93. Mrs. Gardner was born in Westchester County, New York, to Kathryn H. and Joseph F. Torpy. She was the second child of six. Her early years reflected the interests that would enrich her entire life. Her passion for the written and spoken word was a gift she passed on to her children and grandchildren. An outstanding student, Mrs. Gardner received her B.A. with honors in 1944 from The College of New Rochelle in New York. She worked at the Chemical Bank of New York after graduation and later as an English teacher in Bound Brook, New Jersey. She married David J. Gardner in 1946, shortly after his return from military service in Europe as a captain in the U.S. Army during World War II. Mrs. Gardner was a devoted, delightful and intelligent mother to her two daughters and three sons. Together, she and her husband built a wonderful life for their children that included a lovely home in Briarcliff Manor, New York, vacations, outings and holiday celebrations. The meaningful traditions they established continue to be honored by their children and grandchildren. Their shared belief in the value and importance of education is reflected in their children's -- and grandchildren's -- academic and professional careers. Mrs. Gardner was active in her children's schools and was also a loyal alumna of her college, receiving the Ursula Laurus award for service. She was a beautiful woman with an irreverent sense of humor that remained intact throughout her long life. In her college yearbook, she was described as "a combination of Hope, Houseman and Hepburn," references to the humorist Bob Hope, the poet A.E. Housman and her uncanny and oft-remarked-upon resemblance to the actress Katherine Hepburn. Witty, wise and well-read, Mrs. Gardner read poetry to her children regularly. She could, and did, recite many poems from memory. To this day, her children can also do the same, thanks to her tutelage. Mrs. Gardner was 80 years old when her husband of 56 years died after a long and successful career as Executive Accounts Manager with Liberty Mutual Insurance Company. She then made the brave and difficult decision to leave the East Coast and resettle in California to be near three of her children. The years she spent at her residence, Regents Point in Irvine, were characterized by new friends and frequent family visits. It was typical of her that she would find the courage to leave a lifetime of memories behind and make a cross-country move -- just to make it easier for her children to care for her as she aged. A gracious lady, a loving mother and a devoted wife, Frances T. Gardner exemplified the very best of a great generation. Her family and friends loved her dearly.Mrs. Gardner is survived by her five children: Frances Gardner Youssef (Kamel) of Irvine, California; Jane K. Gardner of San Francisco, California; Douglas J. Gardner (Susan) of Westlake Village and Carmel Valley, California; Stephen H. Gardner of New York City, New York and New Canaan, Connecticut; and Thomas D. Gardner (Wendy) of Bedford, New York. She is also survived by ten grandchildren and one great-grandchild.A private funeral service and mass for the immediate family will be held at St. Theresa's Church in Briarcliff Manor, New York on February 3, 2016. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly suggests that donations may be made in Mrs. Gardner's memory to her alma mater, The College of New Rochelle, Office of Annual Giving, 29 Castle Place, New Rochelle, New York 10805.