Cindy Lou Gardner

Cindy Lou Gardner, passed away on May 8, 2023.  Cindy is preceded in death by her parents George Mahlon Maines Sr. and Charlotte Lorraine Maines, brother George Mahlon Maines Jr., sister Toni Anne Pavon, and furr babies Lillian the dog, Leroy and Dolly Hazel. Cindy is survived by her husband Thomas Martin Gardner Sr., first born daughter Jessica Lorraine Winston (Paul Perry), only son Thomas Martin Gardner Jr., second born daughter Emily Elizabeth Gardner-Fortner (Derrick Fortner), grandchildren; Braden Thomas Winston, Jacob Ryan Gardner, Gracie Elizabeth Kay Fortner, Jackson Cole Winston, Rylan Wyatt Fortner, Crew Elison Gardner & Lane Edward Walker Perry, and brothers Tim & Mott Maines. Cindy also leaves behind her best girl furr baby, Louise “Wheezy”, “Da Baby” Evie and “PITA” Carl. 

Cindy was born on June 22, 1955 in Bridgeton, NJ, and she grew up to enter the nursing field. Early in her nursing years she was employed in Bridgeton, NJ at the Cumberland Manor, Bridgeton Nursing Center, Bridgeton Hospital med-surg and psych units, followed by the Rainbow Nursing Center in Pittsgrove, NJ. Once she relocated to Tennessee, she was employed at Asbury Place Maryville as an MDS Coordinator for 14 years until her retirement.

Cindy initiated the first Autism support group in Cumberland County and was a strong advocate for newly diagnosed families with Autism.

She loved traveling with her family to ANY beach, listening to music on her porch, taking any chance she could get to visit the casino (Harrah’s) in Atlantic City, NJ, and making a stop at the Fudge Kitchen. Most of all, she loved spending time with her grandchildren.

Cindy will be most remembered for her quick wit, beautiful smile, infectious laugh, stubbornness and “always running the show”. In her later years she became quite the sports analyst and avid viewer of the Fox News Network.

Cindy’s final resting place will be at Overlook Cemetery in Bridgeton, NJ, with a private graveside service at a later date. In lieu of flowers, any donations/cards/firefighter memorabilia (patches especially) can be sent to little Tom, who has lost the glue that holds his life together. Jessie or Emily can be contacted for more information.