Dolores Wilma Gardner, aged 96, of St. Inigoes, MD (formerly of Valley Lee, MD), passed away on October 3, 2025. She was born on April 11, 1929, in Chicago, IL, to the late William and Martha Baatz. Dolores was the devoted wife of the late Joseph C. Gardner, whom she married in Spokane, WA.

Dolores is survived by her four sons: Joseph Gardner, Jr. (Donna) of Piney Point, MD; Thomas Gardner (Cathie) of Drayden, MD; Richard Gardner (Kathy) of St. Mary's City, MD; and James Gardner of Leonardtown, MD. She was a cherished grandmother to six grandchildren: James, Warren, Tricia, Eric, Holly, and Joanna, and a loving great-grandmother to three great-grandchildren.

Dolores graduated from Whitworth College with a bachelor's degree in medical technology. She began her professional journey as a medical technician at St. Mary's Hospital, serving in the laboratory from 1958 to 1975. After moving to San Diego, CA, she advanced her career to the Head of Hematology at the Scripps Institute of La Jolla, CA, where she worked until her retirement and return to St. Mary's County in 1985.

Dolores was a long-term member of Trinity Lutheran Church, where she taught Sunday School for many years. Dolores had a deep passion for art and history. She enjoyed gardening, cooking and was known for her excellent sewing skills. Her dedication to researching her family's genealogy was a source of great pride and fulfillment. Dolores had a love of animals, and she had a particular fondness for the Sheltie dog breed. She treasured hosting her family for holidays and spending summer vacations with them in the Outer Banks of North Carolina.

The family will receive friends on Thursday, October 9, 2025, from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at the Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home in Leonardtown, MD. A funeral service will follow at 11:00 AM in the funeral home chapel, officiated by Pastor Matthew Borrasso. Interment will take place at Maryland Veterans Cemetery in Cheltenham, MD, at a later date.