IN MEMORIAM

Joy Breun Gardner, 45, Oneonta;

Cancer Fells Decorated Firefighter

ONEONTA – Joy Renee Bruen Gardner, 45, a decorated firefighter, passed away Aug. 18, 2019, at Fox Hospital, following a long battle with cancer.

Joy was born June 29, 1974, to Jana Cuda of Texas and Robert Bruen Sr. of Arkansas.  She married Anthony Gardner of Oneonta on Dec. 12, 2012.

Previously, she was a volunteer firefighter for the Laurens Fire Department and Pindars Corners Fire Department. Most recently she became a volunteer for the Meridale Fire Department, where she earned the Distinguished Service Award. She also was a certified emergency medical technician.

Joy worked at A.O. Fox Memorial Hospital in the billing department for several years before working for the Northeast Parent and Child Society transporting children in foster care to visitation with their families.

Joy is survived by her husband, Anthony Gardner; sons Eric Baldwin of Arizona, Thomas Shaw and Bradley Shaw of South Carolina; daughters Angel Shaw and Sierra Shaw of Oneonta; uncles James Bruen of Poughkeepsie, and Rick Bruen of Massachusetts; mother-in-law Ethel Gardner of Oneonta; twin brother Robert Bruen, Jr. of Mississippi and her daughter’s grandparents Jane Myruski and Richard Shaw of Oneonta. She was predeceased by her sister Christy Bruen.

Calling hours will be 9-11 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 31, at Main Street Baptist Church, Oneonta. A memorial service will follow with Pastor Kenneth Zulkowsky officiating.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Johnston Funeral Home of Morris. For expressions of sympathy to the family visit www.johnstonfh.com