Joan (Bidwell) Gardner

CADILLAC — Joan Bidwell Gardner of Cadillac passed away on Saturday, February 16, 2019 at Autumnwood of McBain. She was 89.

She was born Virgil Joan Bidwell on January 2, 1930 in Mattoon, Illinois, to Virgil and Aldis (Tipton) Bidwell. She married Donald F. Gardner on July 4, 1948. The couple spent 52 years together until his passing in 2000. Joan was also preceded in death by two infant children and her daughter Donna Joan Nelson in 2003 in Dallas, Texas.

Joan was brought up around her parent's business, Bidwell's Candy, where she worked and learned the business. Don and Joan left Mattoon in 1951 when Don took a job with General Motors. After many transfers, within his work, they decided to go back to Mattoon and get into the candy business, buying out her sister and husband Ileen and Charles Brooks. They stayed in the business for 20 years until their retirement in 1994, at which time they moved to Cherokee Village, Arkansas. They made many new friends, worked on many community projects and were very involved in the Spring River Presbyterian Church. For 10 years Joan donated her time managing the local hospital gift shop. She loved being in the retail business but also had many hobbies. After Don's passing, and due to her own health, she moved to Albuquerque, New Mexico, with her son Tom and then eventually to Cadillac where her daughter Marsha resides. Joan settled into an apartment at Kirtland Terrace where she again got involved in many activities and became an active part of the Cadillac Senior Center and the Swim Club.

Joan is survived by her children: her son, Tom (Gladys) Gardner of Albuquerque, New Mexico, her daughter, Marsha (Terry) Whipple of Cadillac; many grandchildren and great-grandchildren; as well as several other neighbors, family members and friends.

A celebration of life will take place at 2 p.m. on Saturday, March 16, 2019 at Kirtland Terrace, 111 S. Simon St., Cadillac, Michigan, and a reception will follow. Per her wishes cremation has taken place and she will be laid to rest alongside her husband at their beloved Spring River Presbyterian Church in Hardy, Arkansas.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the Spring River Presbyterian Church in Arkansas.

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