Dedee M Gardiner

To live in hearts we leave behind is not to die.

Obituary

In Loving Memory of Dedee M. Gardiner
July 25, 1979 – July 28, 2026
It is with profound sadness and grateful hearts that we announce the passing of Dedee M. Gardiner, who was born on July 25, 1979, in Monrovia, Liberia, and passed away peacefully on July 28, 2026, in Phoenix, Arizona, just three days after celebrating her 47th birthday.
Dedee was a loving daughter and devoted mother whose life was characterized by compassion, humility, faith, and love. She was a woman who cared deeply for those around her and carried a gentle spirit throughout her life. Even during difficult times, she continued to demonstrate strength, warmth, and a remarkable ability to bring comfort and joy to others.
Dedee was the daughter of Mr. S. Faikai Gardiner Sr. and Mrs. Melita Evelyn Gardiner. Her parents played an important role in shaping the woman she became. Born and raised in Liberia, Dedee grew up in a family where she developed a strong sense of responsibility, care, and connection to her family and heritage.
As a young girl, Dedee was known for being responsible and attentive. She was often the one who made sure her younger siblings behaved and did what was right. She was not afraid to speak up when something was wrong, and her personality showed early signs of the caring and protective nature that would remain with her throughout her life.
One childhood memory that remains especially memorable involved her brothers and their father's car. One day, while their father was away, Shad, Kaifai, and Hilary decided they would take their father's car to the airport to meet him. Shad was still very young and could barely see over the dashboard.
As Shad began backing the car out of the garage, Dedee saw what was happening and immediately called out, “Mommie! Look and see what Shad is doing!” Her brothers quickly abandoned their plan, and Shad hurriedly returned the car to the garage.
That moment reflected Dedee's responsible nature even as a child. She was observant, protective, and willing to speak up when she believed something was not right.
Another cherished childhood memory involved the family's pigeons. The pigeons made a distinctive sound that the family remembered as “Roospootoo, roospootoo.” Shad would tease Dedee by telling her that her name was “Roospootoo” and that the pigeons were calling her.
What began as a simple childhood joke became a treasured family memory. The playful teasing and laughter surrounding the pigeons are reminders of Dedee's childhood and the simple moments of joy that became part of the family's memories of her.
Dedee also had an appreciation for her family's heritage and culture. During visits to their grandmother in the village, she took an interest in learning and speaking their native dialect. She made a special effort to learn the language, reflecting her curiosity and desire to remain connected to her family's roots.
As Dedee grew older, her caring nature continued to define her. She became a woman who valued family deeply and believed in showing love through her actions. She was compassionate, humble, and generous, and she sought to encourage others whenever they faced difficult circumstances.
Her faith was also an important part of her life. One of the expressions she often shared with those who needed encouragement was:
“The Lord is your strength.”
Those words reflected her faith and her desire to remind others that they could find strength and hope in God, even during difficult times.
In 2011, Dedee began her battle with cancer. Over the years that followed, she faced the challenges of her illness with courage and perseverance. Despite the difficulties she experienced, she continued to demonstrate love, faith, and concern for those around her.
Above all, Dedee was a devoted mother to her two children, Shadlyne “Angel” Woods and Bernard “Lu” Blamo Jr. Her children were a central part of her life, and she loved them deeply. She worked to provide them with love, guidance, encouragement, and support and remained committed to their well-being throughout her life.
Her love for her children was one of the clearest expressions of the nurturing and compassionate woman she was. She wanted the best for them and took pride in being their mother.
One of the most cherished memories of Dedee occurred approximately two weeks before her passing.
Following a medical appointment, Kaifai was helping Dedee out of the car while her daughter, Angel, was nearby. As Kaifai assisted her, Dedee suddenly said, “Oh, you hit my head on the door.”
Kaifai immediately became concerned, believing that he had accidentally hurt her. Then Dedee smiled and revealed, “I am just joking.”
Kaifai and Angel immediately burst into laughter.
That simple moment remains especially precious because, even while facing serious health challenges, Dedee still found a way to make those around her laugh. Her sense of humor and warmth were still present during one of the most difficult periods of her life.
It was a fitting final memory of Dedee—a moment of laughter shared with people she loved.
Dedee's life was a blessing to her children, her parents, and all those who had the privilege of knowing her. She will be remembered for her loving heart, her faith, her strength, her compassion, her sense of humor, and the memories she created throughout her life.
She is survived by her beloved children, Shadlyne “Angel” Woods and Bernard “Lu” Blamo Jr., and her mother, Mrs. Melita Evelyn Gardiner.
She was preceded in death by her father, Mr. S. Faikai Gardiner Sr.
Although our hearts are heavy with grief, we are grateful for the life Dedee lived and for the years God allowed her to be with us. Her memory will live on through her children, her mother, and all who loved her.
We will remember her smile, her laughter, her faith, her strength, and the simple moments that made her life so meaningful.
And we will hold close the words she so often shared with others:
“The Lord is your strength.”
Rest peacefully, Dedee. You were loved, you are deeply missed, and you will forever remain in our hearts.

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