Gwen Gardiner, 67, passed away after a brief but courageous fight with lung cancer. Though her battle was short, her strength never wavered. She wanted more time with the people she loved and fought with determination until she no longer could. Even after her diagnosis, she continued making plans for the future, holding on to hope, and the desire for more time with her family. Her life, while cut too soon, was full beyond measure. She passed away peacefully, surrounded by love.

Born to the late Robert Gardiner and the late Mary (Saulnier) Gardiner, Gwen was raised on the south side of Waltham, a place she proudly called home for nearly her entire life. A member of the Class of 1976, she carried with her a deep loyalty to her roots and to the family and friends who shared them.

Gwen was the devoted mother of her only daughter, Lyndsay. As a single mom, she created a childhood grounded in love, security, and consistency, always ensuring her daughter felt supported and cherished. That love only grew when she became a grandmother. Being “Grammy” was her favorite role, and she adored her three grandsons, Zachary (12), Alexander (10), and Maxwell (8). She loved them fiercely, helped care for them daily, and took immense pride in the young men they are becoming.

In 2018, Gwen moved to Nashua, New Hampshire, to live with her daughter and family so she could be close to—and help care for—her grandchildren. She worked for NW Pest Control for over 15 years before moving. She also ran a daycare out of her home for family members' kids, caring for children with patience and love, and taking quiet pride in the role she played in their lives.

Gwen had a natural gift for nurturing. She was the only “gardener” among the Gardiners, with a love for plants, baking, swimming, taking walks, and time spent with the people she loved. She especially cherished vacations at cottages around New England with friends and family. Though she never drove and never flew, those trips were filled with laughter, togetherness, and simple joy, and became some of her most treasured memories.

Gwen loved deeply and without limits. She never missed a trip to Walmart, never stayed for the whole party, never let the world keep her down, and never stopped showing up for the people she loved.

Her legacy lives on through the traditions she passed down, the lessons she taught, the stories that will be told for generations, and the boundless love she gave—especially to her daughter and grandsons. She will be profoundly missed.

She is survived by her daughter, Lyndsay (Gardiner) Eaton and son-in-law Jimmy Eaton; her beloved grandsons, Zachary, Alexander, and Maxwell; her siblings, Denise (Gardiner) Spataro and her late husband Lou, Gail Gardiner, William Gardiner and his wife Christine, and Debra (Gardiner) Glasheen and her husband Robert; and her nieces and nephews, Jason Pierce (and his daughters Zoe and Bella), Jessica Moody and her husband Jesse, Ryan and their partner Jo, Tori, Emma and her husband Drew, and Olivia and her partner Anthony.

Gwen also leaves behind an exceptionally large and loving extended family, including many cousins, aunts, uncles, and friends—deeply meaningful relationships built over a lifetime of shared memories, holidays, laughter, and unwavering connection. Gwen loved her extended family wholeheartedly, and they were a constant source of joy in her life.

To honor Gwen’s memory, her family encourage you to bring a houseplant into your home—a lasting symbol of the gentle care and nurturing spirit that defined her life.

In accordance with Gwen’s wishes, her services will be private. Please join her family to Celebrate Gwen’s Life on Sunday, March 8th, at the Sons of Italy, on 99 Cedar Street in Waltham, from 1-4pm.

Assisting the family with arrangements is the Cremation Society of NH, Nashua. To view Gwen's Online Tribute, send condolences to the family, or for more information, visit www.csnh.com.