Margaret Moriarty Gardner, 70, of Verona, passed away peacefully at home on April 14, 2019 with her family by her side.
She was dearly loved by her husband of 30 years Frederick “Ricky” Gardner, deceased parents, Thomas J. Moriarty and Ann Rogan Moriarty, brothers Patrick and Tommy, also deceased, Philip, Michael, Kevin and Brian, sister Maureen, brother-in-law Brian, also deceased, sisters-in-law Andrea, Karen, Lauren and Nancy, brothers-in-law James “Gerry”, Joseph, Michael, Hugh, also deceased, Richard, Raymond, Ricky, Steve, Louis and sisters-in-law Judy, Susan, Mary Jane, Nancy, Colleen, Carol, Joan, and Geri, 37 nieces and nephews, and numerous cousins and very dear friends.
Margaret grew up in Elmwood Park attending Immaculate Heart Academy, Washington Township, and William Paterson University before starting a career in education. She taught special education in the Ringwood Schools, and began her tenure with the Rockaway Borough School District as a learning disabilities teacher consultant in 1977 and retired in 2006 as the director of child study team.
Margaret’s faith in God was so very important to her. She continued to serve as pastoral associate for her beloved parish community at Our Lady of the Lake Roman Catholic Church, Verona where she had so many cherished friendships. She and Rick were deeply grateful for the rich bounty of family and friends they enjoyed together.
One of the highlights of her life was enjoying God’s natural beauty at their “electronics-free” beach house on Long Beach Island where so many of her nieces, nephews and extended family created lifelong memories. Margaret’s loving and compassionate nature, irrepressible spirit, good counsel, gravitas and grace made her the foundation upon which a loving extended family was built and will carry on in her spirit. She will be dearly missed.
Heartfelt gratitude to all who blessed Margaret and Rick with their kindness and love.
Friends may celebrate Margaret’s life at Prout Funeral Home, 370 Bloomfield Ave, Verona, on Tuesday, April 23 from 7 to 9 p.m., and Wednesday, April 24, 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, April 25, at Our Lady of the Lake Church, 32 Lakeside Ave., Verona, NJ 07044.
In memory of Margaret, donations may be made to The Carolyn Sullivan Memorial Foundation, 36 South Main Street, Pearl River, NY 10965. Carolyn was a precious cousin of Margaret who passed away from childhood cancer
