Renee M. Crowley Gardner

Renee M. Crowley Gardner beloved mother and grandma

Cattaraugus- Renee Michelle Crowley Gardner, passed away unexpectedly on Thursday (November 30, 2023) in Cattaraugus.

Renee was born on August 23, 1958, in Hamburg, she was the daughter of the late James R. and Elizabeth Frost Crowley. On March 1, 1980, at the Mount Pleasant Methodist Church in Chesapeake, VA., she married Vernon R. Gardner, who survives.

Renee, all through high school was involved in every club she could join. She graduated from Hamburg High School in 1976 and went on to continue her education at the Tidewater Community College in Virginia, where she majored in geology, history, and global studies. She had a great appreciation of history, the arts, and cultural studies, and loved animals and nature.

Renee was a political strategist, who worked in international politics. She worked as a Chesapeake Clerk of Court, and was a child and human advocate. Renee volunteered at women’s shelters and worked on humanitarian legislation. She was an assistant to the Provost and Deans at Tidewater Community College.

Renee is survived by her husband, Vernon R. Gardner; her children, Aaron (Rachel) Gardner, and Tresa Gardner; a granddaughter, Skarlett Frost Gardner; siblings, James “Jimmy” Crowley, William “Billy” Crowley, Sharon Crowley Tomassi, Nancy Crowley Tuvell and David Crowley; and several nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her parents and sister, Cynthia Wolf.

We are deeply saddened by the great and unexpected departure of our beloved mom. She was beautiful, kind, brave, intelligent, and creative, as she boldly did things the way she wanted. Mom was a warrior with a pure heart who loved her children and granddaughter more than anything. Her vibrance in times of strength and inspiration is unmatched as the lioness she is.

A service will be held in Renee’s memory in the late spring at the Grace Bible Baptist Church in Little Valley, followed by a gathering to celebrate her life at a date and time to be announced.

In lieu of donations, Renee’s wish would be for you to help a friend, neighbor, a loved one, or a stranger with a donation or an act of love.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Guenther Funeral Home, Inc., 1303 E. State St., Olean. 

Online condolences can be expressed at www.guentherfh.com.