Cecilia Willingham Gardner

Cecilia Willingham Gardner 1226 ~ 2013 Cecilia Willingham Gardner, 86, went to her final rest Thursday, January 10, 2013, following an extended illness. Cecilia was born in Hurleyville, New York on December 16, 1926, to Frank and Mildred Willingham. Cecilia lived in Hurleyville until she moved to Aberdeen, Maryland at the age of 14 just before the start of World War II. Shortly after moving to Aberdeen, she met the love of her life, Roland Gardner, while attending Aberdeen High School. Cecilia was a very bright student and skipped several grades. She began attending the College of Notre Dame of Maryland at age 16, majoring in Chemistry and Mathematics. Cecilia's father was ill while she was growing up and she wanted to become a doctor and find a cure for his illness. Cecilia worked at the Ballistic Research Lab in Aberdeen, Maryland after graduating from college in 1947 and married Roland on August 7, 1948. Cecilia was a loving mother and wife and worked hard to create a comfortable home for her husband and children. She loved to sing and dance and did her housework to Frank Sinatra and Bobby Darrin. Cecilia enjoyed substitute teaching and working with children, especially those with special needs. She was a loving, patient woman and made friends easily. Cecilia was a wonderful wife to Roland and he credited her with his personal and professional success. Roland's military career took him, Cecilia and their children around the globe and she loved every minute of the travel and adventure. Wherever he was stationed, the first thing Cecilia did was go out into the community and meet people. After Roland's retirement, he and Cecilia became active in civic organizations including the American Legion, VFW ad the Masonic Lodge. Cecilia loved helping Roland and travelling to different activities. Cecilia is preceded in death by her husband Roland; her daughter Kristin; and her grandson William Bryant. She is survived by her daughters, LaVerne Knight and Kathyrn (Clark) Muscat; six grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. Her humor, wit and kindness will be sorely missed. Visitation for Cecilia will be held Monday, January 14, 2013 from 5:00-7:00 P.M. at the Parke's Magic Valley Funeral Home 2551 Kimberly Road, Twin Falls; Funeral Services for Cecilia will be held Tuesday, January 15, 2013 at 2:00 P.M. at the funeral home with Interment following the services in the Twin Falls Cemetery, Twin Falls, ID. The family wishes to thank the staff of Bridgeview Estates Assisted Living and Hospice Visions for the love and care given during Cecilia's final months. In lieu of flowers, please send memorial donations to the Twin Falls Animal Shelter, 420 Victory Avenue. Those who wish to share memories and condolences may do so at www.magicvalleyfuneralhome.com Arrangements are under the directions of Parke's Magic Valley Funeral Home of Twin Falls.