We are saddened to announce the passing of Gloria Jean Orr Gardner on Friday, March 6, 2009. After a long and brave fight against breast cancer she died peacefully, surrounded by her beloved family and friends.

Gloria and Don met and were married in 1966, and have been partners in every sense of the word for 43 years. In addition to working as an ER trauma nurse, Gloria served as Vice President of Donald A. Gardner Architects and offered a “mom’s” perspective on the pros and cons of various home plan designs. Her view of what makes a good plan was colored by her view of life – a focus on promoting family togetherness, something she was always passionate about.

Surviving, in addition to her husband Don, are two daughters, Angela Santerini and her husband Bill of Greer, SC; Sonia Rudisill and her husband Todd of Greenville, SC; a son, Donald Gardner, Jr. and his wife Kelly of Taylors, SC; eight grandchildren, William and Mercy Santerini, Alex, Evan, and Sara Gardner; and Logan, Lily and Gabriel Rudisill; and a brother, Travis Orr and his wife Wendee of Hendersonville, N.C.

The family requests that memorials be made to the GSGR Family Foundation whose mission is "Lifting the spirits of children and families," checks can be sent to 201 River Place, Suite 500, Greenville, SC 29601.