Joan Dolores Elliott Gardner

Joan Dolores Elliott Gardner passed away March 27, 2015. Joan was born on Jan. 25, 1930 in Spencer, Ohio, to Edna Elliott Lyons and Harold Spratt Lyons.

Joan’s family owned and operated a dairy farm in Waterville, Ohio. Joan graduated from Waterville High School and attended James Milliken University and Toledo University for nursing.

In 1954, Joan relocated to Chicago to work as a showroom manager for White Stag. In 1958, Joan moved to New York City and furthered her career in fashion merchandising, focusing on winter and ski fashion working for McGregor Doniger and Jack Winter.

From 1968-1977, Joan stayed home with her young daughter and upon returning to the workforce shifted from fashion to her second career, event planning.

In 1998, Joan retired and moved from New York City to Whitefish to join her daughter. While living in Whitefish, Joan worked at The Toggery and enjoyed her free time planting a beautiful perennial garden. Joan was an avid gardener, loved feeding birds, crossword puzzles and playing with her grandchildren.

She is survived by her husband, George Gardner; her daughter, Heather Vrentas; her grandchildren, Miles Vrentas and Thea Vrentas; and her brother, Paul Croul, who resides in San Jose, Calif.

Memorial services will be announced at a later date.