Virginia "Pat" Mary (Jacob) Gardner

Gardner, Virginia

Lakeland, MI

Her Legacy…Virginia “Pat” Mary Gardner passed to her eternal home prepared for her by our Lord Jesus, peacefully May 25, 2025 at her home in Lakeland, Michigan where she was cared for by her loving husband Jim. Virginia was born on November 12, 1930 in Center Line, Michigan to Bernard and Florence (Miller) Jacob. Virginia married James L. Gardner on May 3, 1952 at St. Clements Catholic Church in Center Line, Michigan. This union resulted in 5 children, eight grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. Virginia was the Librarian at Hamburg Elementary School from 1974 to 1992 and sang with the Sweet Adeline’s for 17 years. She and Jim enjoyed their home in Calusa Lakes (near Venice) Florida for 19 years as snowbirds where she enjoyed the social life and golf. She loved to read and work crossword puzzles. Virginia’s real joy was in raising her family with Jim and the help of St. Mary’s Church. She volunteered at the school, took part in church society, sang in the choir and attended diligently. As her family grew and matured, she especially enjoyed the interaction within and between their families when the family got together.

Her Family… Virginia is survived by her husband, Jim Gardner; her children, Joan (Thomas) Scimeca, Loretta “Lori” Setter, John (Jacqueline) Gardner, James (Susan) Gardner II, Annette (Michael) Smith; eight grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her parents, Bernard and Florence Jacob; siblings, Robert Jacob, Joan Sucaet, and Bernard (Bud) Jacob; son in law, Thomas Setter; and a grandson.

Her Farewell… Virginia’s family and friends will gather together Wednesday, June 4, 2025, from 4PM-8PM (7PM Rosary), at Borek Jennings Funeral Home, Hamburg Chapel. Her Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Thursday, June 5, 2025, at 11AM (10AM gathering), St. Mary Catholic Church, Pinckney, Michigan. Fr. Dan Kogut will serve as celebrant. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to The Hamburg Library or St. Mary Parish Rosary Altar Society. Please leave a message of comfort for Virgina’s family at 1-877-231-7900, or sign her guestbook at www.borekjennings.com.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.