Relatives and Friends are invited to attend:

Memorial Service: Thursday, October 5 6pm-8pm

Visitation: St Anne's Church 10am-11:15

Services: Friday, October 6 11:30am

INTERMENT.  RESURRECTION  CEMETERY

Claire A. Gardiner, (nee Dowdle), born to Doris Jean and William Dowdle on August 10, 1949, passed away peacefully in the arms of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Sept. 18, 2023.  It is with a heavy heart that we mourn the loss of our beloved Claire, mother of James, Christopher, Deborah Snyder (nee Gardiner) (Daniel), Susan Gardiner (deceased); sister of Jean Dowdle (deceased), Mary Ann Dowdle, Theresa Kalesse (nee Dowdle) (Bob), sister-in-law, Maria Colomy (Warren), and niece of Geraldine Dowdle (nee Galliera).  Claire leaves behind a legacy of love and will be greatly missed by her numerous friends, colleagues, and family including her dear cousins, nieces, nephews, great nieces, and Godchildren.

Claire was a graduate of St. Anne's Grade School, Class of 1963 and J. W. Hallahan Catholic Girls High School, Class of 1967.  During her high school years Claire was a member of Hallahan's Glee Club where she worked diligently to refine her vocal talent into the angelic voice she was known for. She was a long-time member of the Robert Ensinger Chorale in the '80's and '90's performing alongside her father Bill, and sister Jeannie, enjoying camaraderie, classical music and show-tunes.  She loved being involved in St. Anne's Variety shows and popular musicals performed at St. Anne's and neighboring parishes, her powerful voice often landing her a leading role.

A faithful member of St. Anne's Parish her entire life, Claire was very proud to be a "Saint Anne-er".  She was very active in St. Anne's Church music ministry as a cantor singing weekly masses, weddings, funerals, and the annual St. Anne Novena in July.  As an alumna of John W. Hallahan Catholic Girls High School, Claire was honored to participate in the choir as the Class of 2018 celebrated their Ring Ceremony Mass at the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul in Center City Philadelphia.

One of Claire's most rewarding endeavors as a fourth-generation parishioner was her involvement in the St. Anne Historical Committee during which time she discovered that her great-grandfather, John Dowdle, of Schuylkill Haven, PA, Corporal - Company C - 50th PA Veteran Volunteer Infantry Regiment in the Union Army during the Civil War was buried in St. Anne's Cemetery.  In addition, Claire was the consummate family historian.  She had a great memory and was blessed with the gift of retelling stories of long-deceased relatives that many had long forgotten. Her knack for telling a good story was something she inherited from her Dad and her Godmother, Aunt Marge, stories that brought family members alive and in our midst.

Until her retirement in January of 2016, Claire was employed for over 25 years with the Garrison Printing Company, a family-owned printing business in Pennsauken, New Jersey whom she considered to be her second family.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Claire's name to St. Anne Roman Catholic Church, 2328 E. Lehigh Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19125, or to the American Lung Association (www.lung.org) in honor of her deceased nephew and Godchild, Robert C. Kalesse Jr.