MARGARET A. GARDNER

BENNINGTON — Margaret A. Gardner, 91, passed away surrounded by her loving family on April 26, 2024. Born on July 3, 1932, in Pittsfield, Mass., she was the daughter of the late Thomas and Ruth (Walton) Daniels. Margaret was predeceased by her husband, Milton A. Gardner, whom she married on March 18, 1951.

Margaret received her education in the Pittsfield public schools and was employed at a bank and Carr Hardware during her younger years. Margaret and her husband, Milton, then came to own and operate the DugOut Luncheonette in Williamstown, Mass., from 1962 until the mid 70s and then the DugOut Motel and Restaurant in Adams, Mass., until their retirement. Margaret also worked at Eddy’s supermarket for a short time in Williamstown during this time.

When Margaret was not working hard for the family businesses, she was spending time at their cabin on Lake Champlain, doting on her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, playing BINGO and Rummikub, building jigsaw puzzles, and eating ice cream whenever possible.

She is survived by her daughters, Margaret Blake of Williamstown, Mass.; Marcia Gardner of Bennington, Vt. and Bangor, Maine, and Melissa Pratt of Bennington, Vt.; her sons Milton Gardner Jr. of Bennington, Vt., and Mark Gardner of Arlington, Vt. She is also survived by 11 grandchildren; many great-grandchildren; her brother, George Daniels of Hinsdale, Mass.; her sisters, Mary Adams of Pittsfield, Mass. and Jeanne Musgrove of Pensacola, Fla.; and many nieces and nephews.

A private burial will take place at the family lot in the East Lawn Cemetery in Williamstown, Mass., at a later date.

If desired, the family requests that donations be made to the American Diabetes Association. ◊