Surrounded by Family, Muriel Clare Gardner passed away at her home peacefully in King George on January 9th, 2022. Clare was born in Jamaica, NY to the parents of Fred and Muriel (Wisely) Voges. Clare attended the Parsons School of Design and became a runway model for the Paris Opening in NYC. On a blind date, Clare met the love of her life Laurence F. Gardner who was attending the Merchant Marine Academy, Long Island NY. Transferring his commission to the USAF, they traveled the world. In the 60’s they spent the next 8 years at Nellis Air Force Base in Las Vegas, Nevada. Clare established a modeling career and developed her love of painting animal portraits. She quickly found herself commissioned to do many portraits and was privileged in painting Betty White and Wayne Newton’s dogs. Clare had a life’s dream to own a horse and it all started with a Mustang from the mountains of Nevada to more horses and then becoming a well-respected breeder of Arabian Horses in VA.

Clare continued her passion breeding, including training Arabian horses and her painting when she discovered the world of Real Estate specializing in horse farms. Through many years of success, her most memorable and last sale before retirement was selling Federal Hill in Fredericksburg. Through all her accomplishments, she is most remembered for her style, elegance, love for animals, outspokenness, beauty, determination for what was right, patriotism and her strength. When you were with her, Life was never boring or predictable.

Clare leaves behind her brother, Robert Voges his wife Marilina; two daughters Dana Gardner, Laurie Gardner-Schlemm her husband Rod. Her two grandchildren; Kateland Houck her husband Brad; Tod Schlemm his wife Laura and two great grandchildren, Jayden and Adeline. Nephews Randy and Cliff.

Our Family extends deep gratitude to Mary Washington Hospital Hospice and all her many caregivers throughout the last couple years and especially to Barbara who was not only her caregiver for almost 6 years, but who became her 3rd daughter. We LOVE YOU BARBARA.  A Celebration of Life and graveside service at Arlington Cemetery will be held at a future date.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in Clare’s memory to: the Eagles Nest/Medical Fund, 11377 Citizens Way, King George, VA 22485.