Pearle Marie Gardner, of Lebanon, PA, passed away peacefully on Aug. 31, 2026, at the age of 89.
She was born on June 28, 1937, to Howard and Eleanora Smith in Lancaster County. After graduating from high school, she had several secretarial jobs and retired from the Pennsylvania Department of Education in 1999. She married Thomas Gardner in 1965, and, together, they shared 45 wonderful years. Pearle enjoyed gardening, sewing, and crafting, and was known for her love of collecting.
She is survived by her son, Steve Smith; and sisters, Joan Hoover, Mary Emrich, Verna Dickey, and Ruth Spitler. She valued family above all and was very proud of all her relatives.
Visitation will be held at Christman’s Funeral Home, 226 Cumberland St., Lebanon, PA, on Sept. 8, from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m., followed by a memorial service. The funeral will be held on Sept. 9, at 10:30 a.m., at Fort Indiantown Gap.
