Mary C. Harding

GARDNER - Mary C (Abreau) Harding, 98, passed away in her sleep on Saturday, May 3, 2008 at the Wachusett Manor Nursing Home, Gardner. Mary was born on the island of Madeira in the Azores on November 12, 1909. The daughter of the late Frank and the late Mary Abreau, she migrated to the United States with her family in 1921. She worked as a Licensed Practical Nurse at Henry Heywood Memorial Hospital and at the Gardner State Hospital. She was a member of Sacred Heart Church. Of her many hobbies, crocheting, knitting, cooking, baking, shopping and spending time with her loving family, her favorite was gardening. She is survived by a brother Frank Mathew and his wife Rita of Lowell; five children: Anthony of Pennsylvania, George and his wife Muriel of Delaware, Richard and his wife Pearl of Florida, Wayne and his wife Helen of Florida and Hope and her fiance James Piragis of Gardner; ten grandchildren: Andrea, George, Chris, Mark, Michael, Stephen, Lisa, Karen, Kathy, Kristin and eight great grandchildren: Erin, James, Jordan, Larry, Christopher, Ethan, Haley and Kate. She was predeceased in death by her husband of 57 years, George Harding who died in 1992. In keeping with her altruistic nature and her desire to decrease pain and suffering through medical research, Mary donated her remains to the University of Massachusetts Medical School. A memorial service will be held at Friday, June 6, 2008 at 11:00 a.m. at Sacred Heart Church, 166 Cross St., Gardner followed by a gathering at the Gardner American Legion. No calling hours are scheduled. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorial contributions be made in her memory to the Sacred Heart School, 53 Lynde St., Gardner, MA 01440. For more information or to sign our online guest book please visit www.poliksfuneralhome.com. Poliks Funeral Home, 431 Pleasant St, Gardner, is directing arrangements. $(document).ready(function(){ });