Paula Claire (Major) Gardner

Paula Claire Major Gardner, 91, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, passed away peacefully on June 28, 2026.

Claire was born on December 5, 1934, to Fortuna P. Major and Harriet E. Loucks Major. She graduated from Massena High School in Massena, New York, in 1953 and went on to earn her nursing degree from the Crouse-Irving Hospital School of Nursing in Syracuse, New York, graduating in 1956.

While living in Massena, Claire met her future husband, Robert E. "Bud" Gardner, who was working in construction on the St. Lawrence Seaway project. They were married on July 28, 1956, and shared 49 wonderful years of marriage before Bud's passing in 2005. Together they raised four children: Tracy, John, Rob, and Jay.

The couple began their married life in Massena, where Claire worked as a registered nurse at Massena Memorial Hospital. They later moved to Niagara Falls, New York, where they purchased their first home. In 1963, the family relocated to Long Island, New York, where Claire devoted herself to raising their growing family as a full-time homemaker. A subsequent move brought them to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

In 1990, Claire and Bud relocated to Rome, Georgia, where Claire returned to the profession she loved, nursing until her retirement in 2004. Following her retirement, they returned to Pittsburgh, where Claire continued to make her home after Bud's death.

Claire found great joy in life's simple pleasures. She was an avid reader and cherished the companionship of her beloved Bichons, Jake and Charlie, who were never far from her side.

Claire was deeply loved by her family and will be remembered for her quiet strength, caring nature, and unwavering devotion to those she loved.

She is survived by her children, Tracy A. (Caz Matonis) Gardner, John M. (Susan) Gardner, Robert E. Gardner Jr. (the late Anne Pillion), and Jayson P. (Jackie) Gardner; her brother, Randolph P. Major; her sister, Marcia J. Benware; eight grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to South Hills Pet Rescue, in honor of Claire's lifelong love of animals.

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