Marilyn Francis (Evans) Gardiner, beloved wife, mother, and grandmother, passed away peacefully at her home in Dennis, Massachusetts, on December 20, 2024, at the age of 74. Marilyn was born on February 7, 1950, in Ayer, Massachusetts. At the age of two, her family moved to Cape Cod, where she grew up and spent most of her life. She graduated from Dennis- Yarmouth Regional High School in 1967.

Lyn married her husband, Gordon P. Gardiner, Jr., on July 22, 1977. The couple celebrated 47 years of marriage, raising three children: Bradford Gardiner (Evangelina), Jenny Perreault (Robert), and Dee Gardiner Sheedy (Melissa). Marilyn was a proud and devoted grandmother to five grandchildren: Marisol Obregon, Brandon Gardiner, Christopher Perreault, Zachary Perreault, and Benjamin Gardiner-Sheedy, who brought her immense joy and pride. Marilyn's family also included her stepchildren, Scott Gardiner (Martha) and Holly Chase (Paul), whom she embraced as her own, extending her care and affection to all her loved ones. Marilyn was preceded in death by her parents, Homer and Dorothy (Fenner) Evans. She leaves behind her brother Richard Evans (Margaret), her husband, children, grandchildren, and many extended family members and friends. Marilyn followed in her parents' footsteps and her passion for service was evident through her lifelong involvement in fraternal organizations. She was a dedicated member of Harwich-Dennis Assembly of the International Order of the Rainbow for Girls. Later on as a mother of young girls, Lyn joined the Advisory Board of Yarmouth Assembly #118, serving as the First Pledge Mother for Yarmouth Pledge Group and Mother Advisor for Rainbow Girls for many years. She was a past member and Past Worthy Matron of the Order of the Eastern Star. Most recently, Lyn served with great honor as the Grand Secretary for the Massachusetts Order of the Amaranth. An avid crafter, Marilyn found joy in creating beautiful works of art of all kinds, from handmade gifts to decorative pieces that brought warmth to her home. She spent countless hours sharing her crafts with others, always eager to teach and inspire those around her.

Lyn enjoyed road trips and was always up for a long distance drive with friends or family, going to such places as Florida, Texas, and Canada, as well as several trips across North Carolina to see various extended family members. Her favorite traveling companions included her friend Cheryl Jennings, her cousin Carl McLevy, and any amount of her children or grandchildren she could wrangle. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Marilyn's memory to the Order of the Amaranth or a charity of your choice. Those who knew Lyn will miss her kind heart, sharp wit, and ever- present generosity.