Alvira D. (Rosenbaum) Gardner, a resident of Lexington for 62 years, passed away at the Belmont Manor Nursing Home on August 31, 2018.  She was 93 years of age. Alvira was born in Boston, Massachusetts on  January 28, 1925 the daughter of August and Anna (Ruusakink) Rosenbaum.  She grew up in Hyde Park and after graduating from high school put her artistic talents to use working as a draftsperson for the Factory Mutual Insurance Company.

Alvira was an active member of the Park Avenue Congregational Church in Arlington. She volunteered in the Lexington school system and assisted with pottery classes at the Hayden Recreation Center. She enjoyed skiing and was a charter member of the Lexington Ski Club. Alvira was an extraordinary dancer particularly enjoying ballroom and square dancing.

She loved spending time with her family in Limerick, Maine, taking special delight in all the nature around her. An exceptional seamstress, her family will remember the many beautiful clothing items she made for them.

Alvira was the beloved wife of John L. Gardner, Sr. Devoted mother of Linda G. Carew and her husband Paul of Arlington, Sherry A. Gardner of Fitchburg and John L. Gardner, Jr. and his wife Susan of Reading. Loving grandmother of John A. Gardner.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, September 8 at the Park Avenue Congregational Church 50 Paul Revere Rd. Arlington at 11:00am. Visiting hours will be held on Friday, September 7 at the Douglass Funeral Home 51 Worthen Rd. Lexington from 4:00-8:00pm.  Burial is private. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made in Alvira's memory to the Alzheimer's Assoc. MA/NH Chapter 309 Waverly Oaks Rd. Waltham, MA 02452. www.douglassfh.com