Stephanie Ann Gardner

Stephanie Ann Gardner, 45, of Dryden passed away at Cayuga Medical Center on Thursday, December 21, 2017, after a short, courageous struggle with cancer.
Steph's family and friends celebrate her warmth and generosity, her love of people and animals, and her energy and willingness to tackle any obstacle. Her presence at any event brought smiles and enjoyment to others. She will be sorely missed by those who knew her, and the friends she had yet to make. Steph loved life and looked forward to every day.
Steph was born February 21, 1972, in Rutland, Vermont to Gerry (Gunther) and Steve Whalen. She grew up in Fair Haven, Vermont, where she learned to love people, animals, and sports. Steph was the valedictorian of the class of 1990 at Fair Haven Union High School, where she was active in soccer, basketball, and track. Steph graduated summa cum laude from St. Michaels College in Winooski, Vermont, with a double major in education and Spanish, reflecting her love of children and exotic lands. At St. Michaels she was also the valedictorian of the class of 1994.
Steph married Marty Gardner on July 23, 1994, and they moved to the Ithaca area in 1995. Steph taught junior high Spanish for six years and earned a Masters degree in education from New England College in Maine. She then left teaching to raise her family. While mothering her young children she began a career of small animal care which she continued until the last few months. Caring for animals, and their owners, gave Steph a great deal of satisfaction. Always an athlete, about ten years ago Steph resumed running for enjoyment, as by now her kids were in school. This rapidly evolved into doing triathlons and eventually she became a six time Ironman finisher, with a national ranking in her age group. Doing triathlons was an adventure that brought travel to many places and meeting many new people. Area athletes recognized Steph as a fierce competitor and a loyal compatriot who served as an example for all who enjoy sports. Exercise, the outdoors, and camaraderie played a big role in her life, after her devotion to her family.
Steph is survived by her husband Marty; her three children Trevor, Amy, and Kevin; three special nieces, Brittany, Allison, and Emma Deeley; her parents; her brother Philip Whalen and wife Jeannine; her sister Tobrina Calvin and husband Adam; her sister Samantha Deeley and companion John Bryan; twelve other nieces and nephews; and beloved parents-in-law, Bunny and Sylvia Gardner of DeBary, Florida.
Donations in Steph's name may be made to the American Cancer Society, your local humane society, or a charity of your choice.
Calling hours will be at the Perkins Funeral Home in Dryden from 10 AM to noon on Saturday, December 30 with a funeral service immediately following officiated by Mr. Steve Lawrence.
Obituaries offer a poor venue to summarize a life. You are invited to a celebration of Stephanie's life to be held after the funeral at the Dryden Fire hall.