Phyllis J. Gardner, 93 
Phyllis J. Gardner, of Hull, died on Aug. 17. She was 93.
In September 1958, Joyce, as she was known, married Alan L. Gardner (Hull Fire Department), whom she described as the love of her life. After retirement, their home was in Florida, but they spent much of their time traveling, with cruising being a favorite mode of travel. They were together for 45 years until Alan died in November 2003. Upon his passing, Joyce returned to her beloved, adopted town of Hull.
Joyce was born in Shrewsbury, England, Andrew and Marion (Smith) Gittins. She is survived by her loving nephew, Christopher Mark Brown, and his wife, Sandra, of Bristol England; her son, Mark Hurley, of Spokane, Wash.; and her conservator, Robert Hollingshead. She was predeceased by her daughter, Donna Nettles, of Syria, Va.
As a child, Joyce was a competitive swimmer, winning many awards in England. She continued with her love of swimming throughout her life, and that made Nantasket Beach the perfect home. 
She spent her career as a bookkeeper at the Boston Motel in Weymouth, combining her love of people and numbers. She lived her final years at the LifeCare Center in Scituate, where she loved telling stories of her childhood in England, as well as her life during World War II, to her caretakers and visitors. Joyce made friends easily, was a good listener, and will be missed by all who spent time with her.
A graveside service was held at the Hull Village Cemetery on Oct. 21. 
For additional information and the online guestbook, please visit www.DowningChapel.com.