Cynthia Burnette Gardner
March 17, 1951 - October 6, 2024
It is with deep sorrow that we bring you the news that Cynthia (Cyndy) Burnette Gardner passed away on October 6, 2024. She died peacefully at home as she wished at the age of 73 years in the company of her husband Bruce and son Ben. Cyndy was born on March 17, 1951, in Knoxville, Tennessee to Ross Blackburn (R.B.) and Marie (Agnes Marie Floyd) Burnette.
Cyndy met her beloved husband, Bruce Gardner, of 53 years in the halls of Powell High School. It took her a while, but she eventually recognized that they were made for each other and she married Bruce when both were 20 years old. She got a taste of what life was to be by joining Bruce in Fairbanks, Alaska where he was stationed in the U.S. Army. That proved to be only the beginning of their exciting life together.
Cyndy was a loving wife, devoted and fearless mother, talented timber frame designer, accomplished business owner, pianist, excellent fly-fisher, loyal friend, wise advisor, optimistic beacon to all, and fantastic cook. Among her many talents and traits, the quality that stands above all was her radiant smile. Her smile lit the world wherever she was and she turned it on with abandon.
A wonderful window to Cyndy's gentle view of herself was discovered among her papers. In her own hand she wrote:
Things I Love:
Smelling the woods as I walk along, Listening to good music, Reading, Having pictures of family on the walls, A good fire, Cooking from scratch, Having things crafted by hand, Taking long drives, Seeing new places, Sitting outside in the early morning, Water, Canoeing, Perennial gardens, Hearing the birds and the bugs, and Being happy.
Cyndy is preceded in death by her loving Father and Mother, R.B. and Marie Burnette.
Survived by husband of 53 years, Bruce Gardner, Daughters Heather Gardner Kistner and Meredith Gardner Bressan, Son John Benton (Ben) Gardner, Sons-In-Law Dee Kistner and Brian Bressan, Daughter-In-Law Alsace Heinold, Grandchildren Bremen and Gavin Kistner and Silas and Cordelia Bressan. Cyndy is also survived by her loving Brother Hal and wife Sheri Burnette. Hal's generous gift of a kidney gave Cyndy 27 years of additional life.
Cyndy's Family plans a Celebration of Cyndy's Life in the Spring of 2025.
In lieu of flowers Cyndy's family asks that you take your family on a long and beautiful drive followed by a fine meal, and that you join us in being thankful for this wonderful life.
