South Hero - Our mother, Una Gardner, a lifelong resident of South Hero, Vermont passed away peacefully in her home on December 25th, 2017 surrounded by loved ones. She was born to Albert and Ada Champagne on November 14th, 1925 in Grand Isle. She attended the Donaldson Road School in Grand Isle often catching a ride on a horse and buggy from a neighbor.

She traveled the Island Line Train on Sundays to Burlington, Vermont to attend High School. Una graduated from Mount St Mary's in 1943. On May 24th 1949, she married Edward Arthur Gardner Jr. Together they raised six children. They owned and operated a small grocery/ bait store and in later years owned Gardner's Plumbing/Heating.

Una was a skilled quilter, winning many blue ribbons at quilt shows in Shelburne and Norwich. Her other interests included fishing, deer hunting, bird watching and golf. Her lovely flower gardens were admired by all who passed by. She also enjoyed trips to the Casino. She was devoted to her large family, and was a lifetime parishioner of St. Rose of Lima Church.

She was predeceased by her husband, Edward, Jr. of 50 years, as well as her brothers and sisters. She leaves behind her two daughters, Linda Smith of South Hero and Sue Straight, (Robert), of South Hero; four sons, William of South Hero, David, (Carol), of South Hero, Michael, (Barbara), of South Hero, Edward III, (Jane) of Queensbury, NY; 14 Grandchildren and 17 Great-Grandchildren; several nieces and nephews; and special friends Edna Parrot, Janet Hazen and Ann Ryder.

The family would like to thank the following during Moms illness: South Hero Volunteer Rescue, VNA staff specifically, Danielle Chaiken; Champlain Islands Health Center staff, specifically, Dr. Amy McGettrick; C.I.D.E.R.; and Meals on Wheels. Their wonderful care and support are greatly appreciated.

Visiting hours will be on Friday, Dec. 29th, from 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. in her home at 12 Keeler Bay Road in South Hero. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Saturday, Dec. 30th, at 11:00 a.m. in St. Rose of Lima Church on Rt. 2 in South Hero. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to South Hero Rescue, Visiting Nurses Association. Arrangements by LaVigne Funeral Home, 132 Main St., Winooski, VT. Burial will be in the spring.