Nancy L. Gardner – Waukesha, Wis.

Nancy L. Gardner, 76, of Waukesha, Wis., passed away on Thursday, Nov. 9, 2023, at Waukesha Memorial Hospital. Nancy was born on Jan. 3, 1947, in Monongahela, the daughter of William and Thelma Teets Navoney. Nancy married David Hickman on May 9, 1970, and the couple enjoyed 10 years of marriage before his passing on Nov. 2, 1980. She then married Leonard Gardner on June 18, 1983, and the couple enjoyed 31 years of marriage before his passing in 2014. Nancy was a longtime member of First Baptist Church of Monongahela and Brookside Baptist Church in Brookfield, Wis. She earned her master’s degree from PennWest University and worked in education for over 40 years. She was a member of the American Baptist Association, where she received her licensing in 1986 and was later ordained as a reverend. She had a passion for music that led her to introduce both schools and churches to everything music, including plays, choirs and talent shows. In her free time, she continued her passion for music by giving piano and voice lessons, going out for dinner, crocheting and was a connoisseur of shopping. Above all, she enjoyed spending time with her family and friends. Nancy is survived by her daughter, Jody (Rob) Leonard; son, Will Gardner; sisters-in-law, Carolyn Gardner and Sharon Gardner; her brother-in-law, Gary Gardner; and extended family, Stefanie, Jeanette and Elise Mabel. She is also survived by other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents and husband. A memorial service will be held at 3 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 18, 2023, at First Baptist Church of Monongahela. PEDERSON- NOWATKA FUNERAL HOME is caring for the family. To place an online condolence please visit www.pn-fh.com.