Passed away peacefully on Wednesday, January 15, 2025 from complications due to stroke. Born October 24, 1942 to the late Bernard Conway and the late Dorothy Conway (nee Nethercott). Beloved wife of the late Jack Gardiner (March 13, 2024). Cherished mother of Cheryl Gardiner (Reg Gristey), Kelly Gardiner (Ron Pickel), John Gardiner (Zhang Jian), Michael Gardiner (Christine Wellenreiter), and Heather Gardiner (Jesse Crawford). Adored grandmother of Leah McKay (Brad Wakem), Lindsay McKay (Adam Stan), Michelle Braconnier (Rory Braconnier), Luke McKay, Mitchell Gardiner, Josh Robins, Brooke Crawford, and Justin Crawford. Beloved great-grandmother of Michaela, Austin, Jordan, and Octavia. Dear sister of Bernie Conway and Joan Loft. Predeceased by her brother George Conway (2022). Fondly regarded by her cousins, nieces, and nephews.
Much of Arnette’s younger years were spent with her husband Jack, both of them growing up in London, Ontario, and attending Catholic Central High School, where they met and became high school sweethearts. Jack was a star football player for the Catholic Central Crusaders and Arnette was a cheerleader. They were married May 13, 1961. Five children later, they settled on a farm in London Township in 1969. Together with Jack’s father, Johnny Gardiner Sr., they farmed several hundreds of acres called Gardiner Farms. Jack was a teacher by profession by day, Arnette was the wife, mother, and farmer working alongside her father-in-law Johnny. She mastered less than mechanically sound used vehicles that Jack would deem driveable. The family has many hysterical stories of Jack’s old jalopies. What would you expect from someone who used a “hearse” as the family car? Arnette’s favourite grain truck was a 1959 Diamond T Rio. Every trip to the mill, regardless which truck she drove, had no power steering and many times, no brakes! There was no shortage of help at any of the local grain yards, with the guys waiting and scrambling to be the first to help little Mrs. Gardiner.
September 1980, Arnette yearned for a higher education as her own children started heading off to post-secondary. She enrolled as a mature student at the University of Western Ontario, persevered, and graduated in 1989 with an honours master’s degree in English, and a teaching certificate in 1990. She pursued a teaching career and taught English as a Second Language (ESL), moving on to become the guidance counsellor at the continuing education program for new Canadians at the Wheable Education Centre. Arnette had a soft spot for helping new Canadians. Above and beyond helping with their English, she would take some of the women under her wing. It would be common for her to bring them out to the farm, take them shopping, or to appointments. Arnette finished her career as a union bargaining agent for Ontario Secondary School Teachers’ Federation (OSSTF).
Arnette remained very active in her senior years taking up cycling, tennis, and the neighbours can confirm daily sightings of Arnette and her daughters walking 10 mile road. She even cycled in France, twice, once with her sister Joan, and the other with a group from Western University, where Mom was at the front of the pack, outcycling others, 40 years younger. Fitness and health were very much a huge part of her life and she passed these important values on to her family.
The last few years Arnette has showed her absolute dedicated devotion to her husband Jack, caring for him at home “in sickness and in health”. Jack passed last March 2024. Arnette, heartbroken, after 62 years of marriage, her own health suffered. She gave her all to Jack and succumbed to several strokes. She peacefully passed with Jack’s picture and her family by her side.
In keeping with Arnette’s wishes, cremation has taken place. A celebration of life will take place for Arnette at the Bryanston Community Centre, 15321 Plover Mills Rd, Ilderton on January 19, 2025 from 1-4 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, donations to your favourite local charity or the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada would be gratefully appreciated by the Gardiner family.
We are always willing to go where called upon but this image shows a visual of the communities that our included in our initial transportation fee. We offer a 40km radius from any of our 5 locations (Arva (London), Exeter, Lucan, Seaforth, and Zurich). Any mileage beyond the included 40km will be charged a rate of $2.50/km (one way travel only).
Julie and Brian Hartwick
Sending our deepest sympathies to the family.
Joyce Arrand
My condolences go out to the family & friends of Arnette. She was a strong, beautiful gal and she will be sadly missed but her dedication and love for Jack always took precedent. I am glad they are together again. Jack getting her into some kind of trouble. May they both rest on peace.
Bless them both. Love yas.
Your friend Joyce from ADP
leila phillipson
What a special woman your mom was. She was always looking to laugh and smile her way through life. She will be greatly missed and never forgotten. Rest in peace beautiful lady. Jack and Leila Phillipson
Lorraine Moir
Dear Cheryl, Kelly, John, Mike and Heather,
I am so sorry for the loss of your mom. I had met her off and on over the years, but I really got to connect with her last spring while your dad was in hospice care. Her love and devotion to him was palpable! I can imagine that she was truly heartbroken with his passing!
May you be blessed with peace and grace as you grieve both of your parents.
Susan Cook
Dear Gardiner families. I am so very sorry to hear of Arnette’s passing. She will be back once again with her highschool sweetheart. She was such a lovely lady and will be missed by many. My sincerest condolences.
Leslie Richards
I’m very sorry to hear of Arnette’s passing. She was always so cheerful at our tennis club and I loved her laugh. She is missed.
Leslie Richards
University Tennis Centre
Shelley Martin
Sincere condolences Cheryl, Kelly and all the Gardiner family. I remember working at the Belton grain elevator and your Mom coming in with the corn. I was just a young girl then and I remember thinking wow she is not only beautiful but she is so nice and could do it all. A truly lovely woman.
Jeannine Van Kessel
My sympathy to the Gardiner family. I have fond memories of Arnette as my 4H teacher. She was such a warm person.
Anna Vandendries-Barr
Dear Cheryl, Kelly, John, Michael, and Heather,
Our deepest sympathies for loss of your Mom. Ten Mile Road will not be same. We will cherish our memories. May your Mom and Dad rest in peace. Hugs.
Leo & Ria Vandendries
Anna & Richard Barr
Tim and Annette Martens
To all the Gardiner family,
It’s difficult losing both parents so close together. Our sincere condolences to you on your great loss. May they rest in peace and may your family memories help you through this sad time
Tim and Annette Martens
Anita Renders
My sincere condolences to Arnette’s children and their families. I met Arnette through her husband Jack. She was an amazing woman and will be greatly missed. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Anita Renders
Marion &Bob Brady
Dear Cheryl Kelly Michael & John & Heather
We send our hearlfelt sincere condolences. Our long time friendship with your Mom & Dad will always be treasured.
Arnett was the kindest sweetest truest friend & Jack was the best friend ever. So many good times over the years since our High School Days . May you find peace in knowing they are together again. Bob & Marion Brady
Monica Bowden (St. John)
Cheryl, Kelly and Heather,
My deepest condolences on the loss of your father Jack and your mom Arnette. I met your mom when I was in grade 8 and we became best friends even until this day. We spent many hours together after school eating salad and listening to Elvis. I would sleep over at Arnie’s many times and we would put our hair in pin curls. Arnette had long beautiful hair and for her to wash and dry it was a major deal. We used to walk down the main drag in our short shorts – Arnette always got many whistles. It seems like yesterday to me. I will miss her forevermore 😔
Marion &Bob Brady
Dear Cheryl Kelly Michael & John
We send our hearlfelt sincere condolences. Our long time friendship with your Mom & Dad will always be treasured.
Arnett was the kindest sweetest truest friend & Jack was the best friend ever. So many good times over the years since our High School Days . May you find peace in knowing they are together again. Bob & Marion Brady
Mary Singeris
I hired Arnette when she became involved with the adult ESL program as a teacher and then excelled to higher positions. Her infectious smile , genuine commitment to and care for the students, her colleagues and the ESL program will always be treasured by those who had the opportunity to know and work with her. I am saddened by her loss and send my heartfelt condolences to the family.
May she rest in peace and eternal be her memory.
Bonnie Manders
Sincere Sympathy to Arnette’s family and friends. She was an amazing woman.
Melanie and Maxine Conway
Arnette may be gone, but her love, wisdom, and spirit will never be forgotten – she will always be with us in spirit.
Indeed she was an extraordinary person who touched the lives of everyone in this family – that we can see, we’ll miss them dearly, but her memory will live on in our hearts.
We can imagine her reunited with Jack and others who have gone before us, sharing love, laughter and joys with one another waiting for us in our due time.
May these memories bring you comfort, peace, and solace in the days ahead and closure in the continuing chapters of our lives.
Our love to you all from aunt Maxine and cousin Melanie
Colleen J Cardinal
My deepest condolences to all of the Gardiner family! It has been a difficult year for you, losing both your mom and dad in such a short time. She lived her life to the fullest! I have so many wonderful memories of all our times together with her and Jack!
Pete & Pat Van Geleuken
Pete & I wish to extend our deepest condolences to the Gardner family. Sending a huge comforting hug to you, Cheryl.
Mary Thoms
Condolences to Arnette’s family. I played tennis with Arnette at UWO John Hatch facility. She was a quick learner and I enjoyed playing tennis with her. She was always very upbeat. I was sad to see her leave due to family commitments. Arnette was a very classy lady.
Diane Martens Elston
Kelly and all the Gardiner family,
Our condolences on your loss. Your parents had full and interesting lives. We know how much Arnette missed Jack since he passed away. May she Rest In Peace and may good memories bring you all comfort.
Charles and Diane
Linda Pattyn Vandendriessche
So sorry for your loss. She was so very friendly and really enjoyed our conversation when I was young. We were neighbours in London before going out to the country. Our family remained friends.
Steve and Dale Wakem
Her obituary is a wonderful tribute to her life. To echo Angie Welch “She lived her life well.” So sorry for your loss.
Betty and Dave Versteegh
Sending our sympathy to all of you. What a beautiful story of your Mom.
Mary Colbert
Our deepest condolences to all the Gardiner family.
Jim and Mary Colber
Suzanne Cardinal Pountney
I and the rest of the Cardinal family have many fond memories of Jack and Arnette’s warm hospitality as well as their visits to our home. May she rest in peace by Jack’s side. My heartfelt condolences to the whole family.
Julie Marr
We were deeply saddened to hear of the loss of Arnette. Your Mom was a dear friend of my parents and the our entire family. Our deepest sympathy to you all during this difficult time.
Julie (Pattyn) and Dave
Rick Kloss
Sincere condolences to the Gardiner and Conway families.
Cheryl, Kelly, John, Michael and Heather, I have only good memories of your Mom and Dad from my childhood. Genuinely good people and always fun to be around. Arnette will be missed by anyone who knew her. Take comfort that she is at peace; reunited with Jack, and I know a of few others there to welcome her for sure.
Cherish the memories and the time we had.
Rick, Lynn and family
Mary & John Gootee
Cheryl Kelly John Michael & Heather. And extended family.
My sister Joan shared with me today this incredibly sad news.
Arnette had such a unique way of making every child feel included and cared for while either in her home enjoying an amazing home cooked meal or guiding us through 4-H class or being a part of the child play in their pool!
I cannot pay a higher compliment to a woman who understood her own self worth and how she guided others to see their talents. She innately knew those who needed the “mother guidance” when it was not found in their own home.
I cannot express the depth of my sorrow in words… only through the tears that are currently running down my face.
With all of my condolences to my childhood friends and family on the loss of Arnette Gardiner. Wishing you a gentle journey lit with the light, love and kindness you gave to so many while you were here.
With deep sadness
Mary “Gambacort” Gootee
John&Lisa Lisa Hedley
Cheryl, Kelly, John, Michael, Heather and families, John and I are very sad to hear of your Mom’s passing. She was obviously a very accomplished woman in her professions and in the raising of her five children. May the many cherished memories help to heal you all ❤️
Dale Cook
My sincere condolences to all of the Gardiner families on Arnette’s passing
Pat (Halliwell) Phillips
I am so sorry to hear that Arnette is gone. We worked together at the Chancery Office and I was her maid of honour when she and Jack got married. Arnette was always smiling and so welcoming. We had lots of laughs, later in life, reminiscing with some of our CCH friends. I’m unable to attend on Sunday, but will be thinking of all of you.
Marnie (Late Ken)Phillipson
Our sincere & love filled condolences to Arnett’s Family.
Arnett will be missed as a wonderful long time Friend & so many
great memories our Families had together.
Love Always Marnie (Late Ken)Phillipson & Family
Diane O'Shea
Sending our sincere sympathy to the Gardiner family. Your Mom was a delightful, feisty woman. How we admired her spunk and enthusiasm. Many good memories for you all.
Diane and Mike O’Shea
Betty Anne Mustard
My sincere condolences Kelly in the loss of your mother ❤️
And a remarkable life story!
Kim & Dave
Cheryl, Reg and families. So very sorry to hear about your beloved Mom. Our hearts go out to all of you.
Carol Whiteford
So very sorry to read of your Mom’s passing, she was an amazing woman! Keeping you all in my thoughts and prayers! Sincerely Carol Whiteford
Tony Straatman
Deepest condolences to the whole Gardiner family. Arnette was a great woman. I have many fond memories of spending time at the Gardiner home during my younger years. She and Jack were always welcoming to their kids friends and we enjoyed their good humour and their hospitality. Rest in peace Arnette.
Eva and Ben Conway
Thinking of you and wishing you moments of peace and comfort during this difficult time.
Our deepest condolences.
Wendy Case
Dear cousins, Cheryl, Kelly, John, Mike and Heather and your families.
My heart is hurting for all of you at the very sad time. Our most sincere sympathy in the passing of your Mom.
Love and hugs, Wendy and Pete Case
Doug Pattyson
Arnette was a wonderful human being. It was my great pleasure and good fortune to teach with her for many years at Wheable ESL. My wife and I would like to send our condolences to her family and close friends. She was a special, genuine person and will be missed by many.
Glenis Hamilton
Your mother sounded like a wonderful woman. Thinking of you Jesse and the family
Shirley Kittmer
Cheryl, Kelly, John, Micheal and Heather. I don’t think words can be said that would be anything better they the obituary you guys wrote. Arnette at peace and back with the man she loves. Thinking of all the fun we had together.
Shirley Kittmer
Mary-Jean Mills
Our deepest sympathy to all of the Gardiner family.
Terry and Mary-Jean Mills
Joanne
Thinking of you all during this difficult time May she rest in peace
Angie Welch
Oh Cheryl, so sad to hear of your mom’s passing. She certainly lived her life well.
Hugs to you.