Mary Alyce Gardner

Mary Alyce Gardner, 82 of Zionsville, passed away Tuesday, November 9, 2021. Mary Alyce was born March 19, 1939 in East Chicago, IN to the late Andrew and Helen Shimko.

As a graduate of Horace Mann High School in Gary, IN., she cherished throughout the years her unblemished connection to her high school classmates, who still meet regularly.

As a switchboard operator at St. Joseph’s College in Rensselaer, IN., she was grateful for the support of the Priests and nuns in the caring of their newborn daughter, Susie.

While living in Springfield, IL., Mary Alyce worked as a nanny of two children for the local United States Attorney.

She also enjoyed the companionship of many FBI families in several duty locations over 25 years.

Her husband’s post retirement employment enabled her to become acquainted with the home of her maternal grandparents in Budapest, Hungary/Europe.

Her faith was sustained by witnessing inspirational biblical accounts from the pulpit offered by church leaders. She felt uplifted by the historic tradition of organ, choir and instrumental music at worship services. Church pot-luck gatherings enriched her spirits as well!

Mary Alyce is survived by her husband, Ralph; daughters, Susan (husband, Andrew) Brodie and Sally (husband, John) Hambleton; grandchildren, Meghan (husband, Chris) Davies, Laura Jayne Brodie and Kayla Gardner; great grandchildren, Faye Davies, Emily Davies and Oscar Williamson; sister, Andrea Klingenmeyer. She was preceded in death by her son, Scott E. Gardner and her sister, Karen Crofts.

Family and friends are invited to gather at Advent Evangelical Lutheran Church on Thursday, November 18 from 9:00 am to 11:00 am, where a funeral service will follow at 11:00 am. Burial will follow at Zionsville Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Advent Evangelical Lutheran Church 11250 N. Michigan Rd. Zionsville, IN 46077 or Former Agents of the FBI Foundation 3717 Fettler Park Dr. Dumfries, VA 22025. Please visit flannerbuchanan.com to sign the online guest register.