Josephine M. "Josie" Gardner, 94, of Pittston, passed away peacefully at her home surrounded by her loving family on Tuesday, December 12, 2023. She was the wife of Eugene Gardner, who passed away on May 24, 1997.
Born in Avoca, she was the daughter of the late James and Grace Yanzita Tonte. She was a graduate of Avoca High School. Prior to retirement, she worked in the garment industry as a seamstress. Josie was a member of Our Lady of the Eucharist Parish, Pittston.
Josie was a beloved mother, grandmother, sister and aunt. She cherished the time she spent with her family and grandchildren. She was welcoming to everyone and anyone who came into her presence. She enjoyed going on vacation every year to Ocean City Maryland with her family, doing her word search puzzles and watching the game show network.
Josie is survived by her daughters, Sheila and Lisa Gardner; Joann Mayers, and husband, David; son, Robert Gardner and wife, Roben; grandchildren, Samantha Mayers and companion, Ryan Hannon, Nicole and Matthew Mayers; brother, Peter Tonte; sister, Louise Durkin; numerous nieces and nephews.
Josie was also preceded in death by brothers, Ralph, George, Nick, John and Vince Tonte and sisters, Tillie Wrubel and Jennie Potorski.
Special thanks to all her aides for their loving care and support, Advantage Hospice and Dr. Ken Sebastianelli.
The funeral will be held on Monday, December 18, 2023, at 9:15 A.M. from Baloga Funeral Home, Inc. 1201 Main Street Pittston (Port Griffith), with a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 A.M. in Our Lady of the Eucharist Parish 535 North Main Street, Pittston. Interment will be in St. Mary's Cemetery, Avoca.
Relatives and friends may pay their respects on Sunday from 4:00 to 7:00 P.M., at the funeral home.