Susan Kisner Gardner

Susan Gardner passed away on August 1, 2026, at the age of 84, following a struggle with dementia. She was most recently of Charlotte, NC but was a longtime resident of the Spring Lake, NJ area.

Born on August 19, 1941, Susan spent her childhood years in Belmar and attended Manasquan High School. It was there that she formed lifelong friendships and met her high school sweetheart, Richard "Dick" Gardner. Susan was a proud twirler and was voted "Most Likely to Succeed" by her senior class. She earned her bachelor's degree in education from Trenton State Teachers College.

Susan and Dick celebrated a beautiful 50-year marriage, creating a vibrant life together along the Jersey Shore. Their years were punctuated by boat rides, joyful evenings out with friends, and a profound commitment to the community they called home. She found great joy during long summer days at the North End Beach in Spring Lake, strolling the boardwalk, searching for sea glass, or escaping the cold during winters spent in Palm Beach Shores, Florida. Susan treasured every moment she spent with her grandchildren; she was their most devoted fan, never missing the chance to applaud at a swim meet, admire a ballet performance, or celebrate any milestone, large or small.

For more than three decades, Susan was a beloved fixture at Brielle Elementary School, spending the majority of her career teaching third grade. She touched the lives of generations of children and ensured that every single third grader left her classroom with a 100% mastery of their multiplication facts. Her passing in early August feels particularly poignant, as it marks the time of year she would be artfully preparing her classroom for a new class of students.

Susan's passion for service extended far beyond her classroom walls. She was a devoted member of Delta Kappa Gamma, a society for women educators, and served as the Treasurer of the American Association of University Women (AAUW). Deeply invested in the community, she founded the Spring Lake Swim Team, creating opportunities for countless area children to compete, and build lasting friendships. She also lent her creative talents to the Spring Lake Community Theatre, sewing costumes and applying makeup for productions of Bye Bye Birdie and Guys & Dolls.

Susan was a dedicated member of St. Andrew's United Methodist Church, where she found fellowship, and the opportunity to serve others with quiet humility. Susan particularly loved organizing and serving at the annual church bazaar, working to raise money for the congregation and community. St. Andrews was a constant in the lives of the Gardner Family hosting generations of weddings, baptisms and celebrations of life.

Above all her many achievements, Susan was proudest of her family. She is survived by her loving daughters, Liz Boulware (Scott) and Karen Laughlin (Chris), and her grandchildren, Camille, Marin, Tyler, Sadie, and Bridget; and her brother and sister-in-law, Mike and Maggie Gravender. She was reunited in peace with her beloved husband of 50 years, Richard Gardner; her mother, Florence; her father, Robert; and her brother, Bobby.

The family extends their deepest gratitude to the exceptional communities that provided compassionate care during her recent health challenges. They thank the staff at The Arbors in Spring Lake for allowing her to remain in the town she loved so dearly, and the devoted team at Givens Aldersgate in Charlotte for gently guiding her through her final years. They are also deeply grateful to the countless friends and relatives who reached out with comforting phone calls and greeting cards.

Susan's enduring legacy lives on in the thousands of students she inspired, the family she loved unconditionally, the friendships she nurtured, and the countless quiet acts of kindness that defined her character.

A memorial service celebrating Susan's beautiful life will be held at St. Andrew's United Methodist Church, Spring Lake, NJ on Saturday, September 12 at 11:00AM. A visitation with family and friends will follow at the church. Memorial contributions can be made to St. Andrews United Methodist Church, Spring Lake or a charity of your choice in her memory.