1916 – 2014

WATERFORD — Lillian Medora Gardner, 97, of Waterford, born March 13, 1916, in Gilead, passed away Sunday, Jan. 12.

She was the daughter of Camille and Florida Provencher Baker; one of 13 children, with Lillian being number eight in the lineup. She leaves one remaining sister, Margaret Buck, of Florida, plus numerous nieces and nephews. She is survived by her daughter, Ann C. Grove, of Benicia, Calif.; her daughter-in-law, Patricia and husband, Edward M. Carter, both of Bethel; three granddaughters, Wendi and Cindy Carter and Lynette Carter Grasso; and three great-grandchildren, Adam, Andrew and Alena Pulkownik, all of California. She also leaves a much loved brother-in-law, Ralph Gardner, of Harrison.

For better than 50 years, she and her husband, Edwin, enjoyed a happy, busy life together; Edwin passed away seven years ago. They met at Conant’s Barn, a local dance hall, where he asked her for a dance. The song was “The Tennessee Waltz,” which became their favorite and you could say from that moment on, they waltzed through life together. Dancing was a favorite pastime and they attended dances regularly, right through their 80s, enjoying many long-lasting friendships through the years.

Lillian was known for her apple pies, 3-inch-high biscuits, raised rolls, cookies and lots of comfort foods. Cooking was one of her greatest pleasures, and she was willing to teach and share many of her tricks. She sold pies to local restaurants while in her 80s. Making 30 pies was not a daunting task to her or Edwin; in fact, they would come home from a dance at midnight or so, check their answering machine to find an order for seven to 15 pies to be delivered the next day, change their clothes and get to it before going to bed.

One Thanksgiving, they made 150 pies. Edwin set up the garage with plywood on top of saw horses to hold them all; it was an awesome sight to see so many pies displayed at once. I am sure their customers enjoyed it, too.

Lillian picked apples every fall, running a crew well into her 70s. Upon retirement, the owners gave her the ladder she used during her apple-picking career.

She and Edwin took bus trips, visited family in California and spent time visiting their friends. She was very active and engaged in life, prone to sage advice, which naturally flowed from her at a moment’s notice. She will be greatly missed by her family and friends.