Anita M. Gardner, 79, passed Friday, March 18, 2016 at the Samaritan Keep Nursing Home where she had been a resident.

The funeral service will be held 7 p.m. Monday, March 21 at the Hart & Bruce Funeral Home, Watertown.  Calling hours will precede the service from 5 to 7 p.m. Monday at the funeral home.

Burial will take place in Glenwood Cemetery at the convenience of the family.

Anita was born October 28, 1936 in Watertown, the daughter of the late Charles and Grace (Willard) Bartholomew.

She married Donald J. Gardner on February 25, 1956 in Watertown, NY.  She was predeceased by her husband on November 26, 1965.

She was a home maker and enjoyed playing cards, crocheting and loved her cats.

She is survived by two daughters and a son in law, Rita J. and Mark A. Houghtaling of Watertown and Julie A. Gardner of Watertown; a brother, Joseph Bartholomew of Adams, a sister-in-law, Betty Bartholomew of SC; two grandsons, Chad Henderson and Robert Henderson and his fiancé, Megan Backus; 6 great grandchildren, several nieces and nephews.

She is predeceased by two sisters, Betty O'Neill and Alice Doane and two brothers, Raymond and Bobby Bartholomew.

Donations may be made to the SPCA

Online condolences may be made at www.hartandbrucefh.com

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