Kathleen Gardner

Kathleen Jean (Chiasson) Gardner, 74, of North Attleboro, MA, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, December 16, 2020 at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston, MA. She was the beloved wife of Bertram Wallace Gardner III, whom she married on August 26, 1967.
Born on May 4, 1946 in Waltham, MA, she was the daughter of the late Henry Chiasson and the late Mae R. (Phillips) Chiasson.
Raised and educated in Wayland, MA, she was a graduate of Wayland High School. The oldest of eight children, Kathy was a caregiver from the start; she spent much of her childhood aiding in the care of her seven younger siblings. Early in her marriage she started her own childcare business enabling her to be at home with her own children. She had an artist's heart and always had creative, fun projects for her children. Later, Kathy worked in the Home Health Care field. The common thread that ran through everything she did was caring for others. Kathy had a gift for sensing those in need and providing them support. Nowhere was that more evident than with her own family. In 1983 Kathy and her husband welcomed a fourteen-year-old foster daughter with spina bifida to their family. For the following thirty-plus years, Kathy was devoted to her daughter's happiness and well-being. Kathy loved her family above all else and was an absolutely amazing mother and wife. Hers was a loving home for all who entered. She was a wonderful cook and was always trying new recipes. She loved being near the water, especially the ocean, and by the mountains. But more than anything, she treasured her family and simply loved spending time with them.
In addition to her husband, Bertram, she leaves her loving children: Kimberly Ann Aliperti and her husband, Vincent Aliperti, of Geneva, NY; Bertram Wallace Gardner IV and his wife, Jamie Gardner, of Easthampton, MA, and Kimberly Marie-Costa-Gardner of North Attleboro, MA. She was the proud and adoring grandmother of five grandchildren: Benjamin Aliperti and his twin sister Sarah Aliperti; Elizabeth Aliperti; Christianna Gardner; and Allison Gardner. Kathleen was the beloved oldest sister of Richard Chiasson and his wife, Elizabeth, of Gloucester, MA; Susan Chiasson of Springfield, MA; Mark Chiasson and his wife, Susan, of Westhampton, MA; Janet Dixon and her husband, Scott, of Medway, MA; Michael Chiasson of Leominster, MA; Jean Peckham and her husband, Skip, of Natick, MA; and the late John Chiasson. She leaves numerous nieces and nephews, her extended family, her many friends, and her church community.
Kathy was a resident of North Attleboro for the past fifty years.
A Memorial and Celebration of Life Service will be held on Saturday, July 10, 2021 at 1:00 p.m. in the Community Covenant Church, 615 Tremont Street, Rehoboth, MA 02769.
As an expression of sympathy and in lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Kathleen to an organization of one's choice for the benefit of cancer research.
For additional information or to send the family a written expression of sympathy, please visit an online guest book at www.dyer-lakefuneralhome.com .
Arrangements are under the direction of the Dyer-Lake Funeral Home, 161 Commonwealth Avenue, Village of Attleboro Falls, North Attleborough. (508) 695-0200