HERKIMER: Dolores M. Gardner, 79, a lifelong Herkimer resident, passed away on Friday, July 5, 2013 at Bassett Healthcare in Cooperstown, with the love and support of her family by her side. Born in Herkimer on July 8, 1933, Dolores was the daughter of the late Anthony and Mary (Barbuto) Fazio. She was raised and educated locally, graduating from Herkimer High School and St. Elizabeth's School of Nursing. On September 25, 1954 she was united in marriage to David Gardner at St. Anthony's Church by Father Orbano. She and Dave (Dad) shared 58 years full of love and trust as they raised their family and enjoyed their life together. Dolores worked as an Obstetrics Nurse for many years at Herkimer Memorial Hospital and later at Mohawk Valley General Hospital in Ilion. As she lay in her hospital bed, she said to please say, "I loved each and every baby that I helped deliver." Later, she was a member of the yarn ministry of Sts. Anthony & Joseph Parish, making baby hats, baby blankets, lap blankets and shawls for people in the hospital. Although being a nurse was her profession, Delores' nature was that of a nurturer. Not only was her true purpose found in loving and raising 10 children; she also proved to be a genuine and selfless person, sharing her heart, as she touched and cared for countless people. She is an adored wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister and friend. Delores is survived by her beloved husband, David; her children, Andrea and Richard Hyde of Delanson, NY, Rebecca and Bob Rifenburgh of Pompano, FL, Cathleen and Peter Caliguire of Herkimer, NY, David and Audrey Gardner of Chittenango, NY, Connie and Randy Blais of Herkimer, NY, Andrew and Cathleen Gardner of Mohawk, NY, Christopher and Laura Gardner of Manchester, NH, Effie and Tim Donlon of Concord, NH and Jodi and Mike Austin of Aldie, VA; her cherished grandchildren, Jarred and wife Amy Hyde, Jessica and husband Jeff VanDeven, Anita and husband Mike Komarny, Sarah Rifenburgh and Dan Butcher, Deirdre Rifenburgh and Justine Abrams, Rob Rifenburgh, Joshua Caliguire, Corban and wife Ericka Caliguire, Carmi and husband Joshua Moore, David Christian Gardner, Shania Gardner, Summer Gardner, Dr. Dolores Blais and fiance Dr. Ian Mullikin, Clarinda Blais, Daniel Gardner, Mary Margret Gardner, Julia Gardner, Caroline Gardner, Emma Gardner, Elayna Gardner, Catherine Donlon, Elizabeth Donlon, Emmett Donlon, Ethan Donlon, Gardner Austin, Caleb Austin, Zachary Austin, Luke Austin and Danica Faith Austin; her precious great grandchildren, Canaan, Brevyn and Emery VanDeven, Lucy Komarny, Miley Butcher, and Giacobi Moore; her sisters, Clarinda and Robert Giammaria, Angie Fiorentino, Lucy and Donald Giffune; a brother, Angelo (Bart) and Ruth Fazio; her in-laws, Effie Netti, JB and Anne Gardner and many nieces, nephews and cousins. Delores was predeceased by her son, Daniel Gerard Gardner and brothers in law, Sal Fiorentino and Joseph Netti. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, July 9, 2013 from 4:00-7:00 p.m. at the Enea Family Funeral Home, 220 N. Washington Street, Herkimer, NY (315) 866-1011. Her funeral service will commence at 10:45 a.m. on Wednesday, July 10, 2013, from the chapel of the funeral home where a prayer service will take place, and at 11:30 a.m. from Sts. Anthony and Joseph Church, S. Main Street, Herkimer, NY where her Funeral Mass will be offered by Reverend Thomas Lawless, Pastor. Interment will follow in Calvary Cemetery, Herkimer, where she will be laid to rest. The family is being cared for by Harry J. Enea, Funeral Director.