DURHAM – Mary Louise Powe Gardner died Tuesday, April 14, 2015 following a lengthy decline.

She was born October 30, 1927 in Durham to E.K. Powe, Jr. and Louise Watkins Powe. After graduation from Salem Academy, she began at Duke University and graduated from the University of North Carolina. Mary Louise married William H. “Nick” Gardner in 1949. For many years she was office manager of her husband’s firm, Gardner & McDaniel.

A parishioner of St. Stephen’s, Mary Louise was a devoted churchwoman, having served on the Vestry, Altar Guild and various committees. She was also a member of the Junior League and the Colonial Dames. Mary Louise was an active volunteer throughout her adult life.

Surviving are her children, Mark Gardner and wife, Dona Reed of Friday Harbor, WA, Alston Gardner and wife, Barbara Lee of Chapel Hill, and Lucy Gardner Stokes and husband, Bill of Durham; her grandchildren, Megan and Ben Gardner, Emma and Anna Gardner, Amy Ward, and Will and Emily Stokes; and a sister, Josephine Rankin and husband, Dr. Pinkney Rankin of Charlotte.

She was predeceased by her husband, William H. “Nick” Gardner; sister, Frances Grainger; and brother, E.K. Powe, III.

Services will be held at 3 p.m. on Saturday, April 18 from St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church. Friends will be received in the church fellowship hall following. Donations can be made to St. Stephen’s Church.

Arrangements are with Hall-Wynne Funeral Service. On-line memorials: hallwynne.com