Hazel M. Gardner
June 5, 1919 – April 7, 2013
Mrs. Hazel M. Gardner passed away April 7, 2013 at Pikes Peak Hospice in Colorado Springs. Services are scheduled for 2:00 p.m. on Friday, April 12, 2013 at the Shrine of Remembrance “America the Beautiful” Chapel. Visitation will begin one hour prior to the service. A reception will take place following the service at the Olympian Plaza Reception and Event Center, 975 South Union Boulevard. Entombment will be at Shrine of Remembrance Mausoleum.
Mrs. Gardner was the wife of Lt. Colonel James Gardner, USAF, Retired, who operated the Templeton Gap Turf Farm for many years in Colorado Springs.
Mrs. Gardner graduated from Charity Hospital School of Nursing in New Orleans, Louisiana, and was a member of the National Honor Society. She attended classes at Louisiana State University upon receipt of a scholarship from Charity Hospital.
She worked as Head Nurse of the Operating Room at Charity Hospital; then as Operating Room Supervisor in Florida, San Antonio, Texas, and Newport News, Virginia.
She met and married her husband, Jim, who was Commanding Officer of 72nd Liaison Squadron at Langley Field, Virginia. They were then assigned to Greenland and Newfoundland, and lastly to Maxwell Air Force Base in Montgomery, Alabama where daughter, Jamie, was born. They moved to Colorado Springs in 1957 where Jim was attached to North American Air Defense Command.
She was last employed as a dedicated nurse at Memorial Hospital of Colorado Springs as Operating Room Supervisor for twelve years, coupled with approximately five years as Supervisor of the Intensive Care Unit.
Hazel was a volunteer in the Children’s Nursery at Pulpit Rock Church. She enjoyed Bible study and fellowship with the Ruth class at Heart of the Springs Church, as well as dancing and playing bridge in younger years. She was a lifelong member of the Democratic Party.
She is survived by her husband, James Taylor Gardner; her daughter, Jamie (husband, James) Stata of Colorado Springs; two beloved grandchildren: Rachel (husband, Kevin) Boaz of Kurten, Texas, and Matthew (wife, Lara) Stata of Colorado Springs; her seven great-grandchildren who brought her great joy; as well as numerous nieces and nephews; and a sister-in-law, Cathy Gardner. She was preceded in death by her great-grandson, Simeon Peniel Stata; two brothers: Wade Armstrong, and Pete Armstrong; and a sister, Gladys Graham.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Pikes Peak Hospice, 2550 Tenderfoot Hill Street, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80906.