Gayle L. Gardner, 54, of Belvidere passed away Sunday June 25, 2006 at home surrounded by her family after a long battle with cancer. She was born August 1, 1951 in Belvidere to William and Beatrice Cassidy. She attended Belvidere schools graduating from BHS class of 1969. She married Max Gardner on January 17, 1970 in Belvidere. Gayle attended the Cardinal Stritch University in Wisconsin and earned her Bachelor of Science degree in business in 1996. She worked in the office of the Belvidere School District #100 and later was the office manager for the Regional Office of Education. She loved to keep busy and enjoyed gardening, flower arranging, baking and cake decorating, and especially loved playing with her grandchildren. She was a lifelong member of the First United Methodist Church in Belvidere. She is survived by her parents, husband Max of Belvidere, children: Shawn (Rachel) Gardner, Catherine (Hermann) Haseneder both of Rockford, Jeffrey (Julie) Gardner of Poplar Grove, grandchildren: Jacob, Paige, Hannah, and baby Jack who is on his way. Sisters: Kathy (Arnie) Winnie of Belvidere, Cindy (Scott) Sauberlich of Roscoe, brother: Bob (Terrie) Cassidy of Poplar Grove, several nieces and nephews, and 1 great-niece. She is predeceased by her brother Michael Cassidy. The family would like to thank Dr. Kent Hoskins and the staff of O.S.F. Cancer Center and the oncology unit of O.S.F. St. Anthony M.C. for their special care and attention.

Memorials may be given to the First United Methodist Church or the American Cancer Society.