Norma (McInnes) Gardner

WEST BOYLSTON – Norma (McInnes) Gardner, 82, passed away peacefully at home on Thursday, January 23, 2020, surrounded by her loving family. She was a beloved and cherished wife, mother, and Nana who was dedicated to her family. She was born in Edinburgh, Scotland on January 22, 1938 to the late Hugh and Violet (Currie) McInnes.

Norma immigrated to the United States as a young woman and settled in the Worcester area, where she met and fell in love with her beloved husband, Raymond W. Gardner. Norma and Raymond settled in the Oakdale section of West Boylston, where they shared their love and raised their family. She spent several years as a flight attendant for Northeast Airlines, and then as tour guide and secretary for the State Mutual Company. She also worked as a switchboard operator for Memorial Hospital, a hairdresser, and as an adult foster care provider. Norma was a longtime member of the Oakdale United Methodist Church and was a member and Past Matron of the Stella Chapter of the Order of the Eastern Star. She also loved to knit, crochet, and craft. Norma was predeceased by her beloved husband of 35 years, Raymond in 1995.

She will be forever missed by her three children, Morag E. Meola-Nieber and her husband, James of Holden, Holly J. Merchant and her husband, Michael of Sturbridge, and Heather D. Sullivan and her husband, Dean of Rochdale; her ten grandchildren, David Meola and his wife, Katie, Ashley Gibbons and her husband, Christopher, Julie and Connor Sullivan, Michael Merchant, Jr., Eleanor, Elizabeth, Madelyne, Esther and Samuel Merchant, and six great-grandchildren, many nieces and nephews and very close friends and caregivers. She was also predeceased by her son-in-law, Gary Meola.

Relatives and friends are invited to visit with Norma's family on Saturday, February 1st from 9-10:30 a.m. at Fay Brothers Life Celebration Home, 1 West Boylston Street, West Boylston. A prayer service will follow at 10:30 a.m. Norma will be laid to rest beside her family in the spring at High Plains Cemetery in Oakdale. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to: HMEA's Autism Resource Central, 712 Plantation Street, Worcester, MA 01605