Ellen Gardner's Field Trip Fund - Christ The King

My family's hearts, both big and small, are broken. 

Earlier this week, my mom Ellen Davie Gardner, lost her fight to cancer at the age of 69. She was taken from us unfairly and way too soon. To say we are devastated doesn't begin to describe the grief we feel.

Mom was a loving mother to me, a devoted wife to my dad, a proud grandmother, aunt, and friend to many. 

Not only has my Mom molded me into a person I am proud to have become, she has also touched the lives of countless families in the Tampa Bay community. 

A school teacher for 30 years, Mom taught kindergarten and some middle school at Grady Elementary, Gorrie Elementary, Madison Middle School, Booker T. Washington Middle School, the list goes on. 

She held a Master's degree in Elementary Education, was a National Board Certified Teacher, and  received many awards and accolades for excellence in teaching throughout her tenure.


(Mom reading to her grandson's classroom at Primrose Preschool) 

Simply put, my Mom loved kids and kids loved her. She was warm, safe, nurturing, and kind. Mom was the best at giving hugs, wiping away little tears, and making her students, no matter how small, feel proud of their accomplishments.  She would spend hours decorating her classrooms, researching educational games, and ways to make learning fun. She loved math and science, all types of animals and creatures, and enjoyed giving her student's a glimpse into the wonders of this world we live in. Enriching the lives of her students brought her great pride and happiness. 


(Mom (or Grandma) chaperoning a CKS field trip with grandson, Grant)

Mom devoted her life to the little things and the little ones. She loved teaching the A,B,C’s and putting bandaids on skinned knees. In her retirement years, she could be found reading to her grandchildren’s classrooms or volunteering as a field trip chaperone. My Dad jokes that none of the other grandparents would want to follow Mom after she read to the class.  She set the bar high and we are so honored to have had her in our lives.

My Mom was an exceptional teacher, human being, and friend. She is sorely missed by my family, especially her grandkids, Grant Gardner (age 6), and Avery Gardner (age 4). Grant currently attends Christ The King School and is in Kindergarten and Avery will join him at Christ The King next year. 

(Avery, Mom (or Grandma) and Grant Gardner)

In lieu of flowers, we're asking for donations in mom's honor to Christ The King. We've spoken to the school and all of your donations will go toward funding for new library books and nature-filled field trips - two things my mom loved. We hope you will join us in keeping her legacy alive. We love you, Mom.

Thank you. 

Mom's obituary and funeral service information can be found here: https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/tampa-fl/ellen-gardner-8215200