GARDNER MORROW SCHNEIDER KOLE, of Slidell, LA, passed away on 22nd day, January, 2020, at her home in Slidell, LA. Beloved wife of Ronnie Kole. Mother of one daughter and two sons: Doree Schneider Donovan, and husband Michael; M. P. “Pete” Schneider, III and wife, Elizabeth; Deacon Christopher Morrow Schneider and wife, Sharon. Also survived by grandchildren: Joshua (Ginger) Donovan; Melita (Matthew) Dupre’; Matthew Peter (Hannah) Schneider, IV; Christopher (Lindsay) Schneider; Kathryn Schneider; Morrow Schneider; Brit Schneider; Jon Christian Schneider; Alexandra Schneider and Great grandchildren: Dillan Silbernagel; Ally Silbernagel; Noah Dupre’; Clara Schneider; Connor Schneider; Brayden Cornette. Preceded in death by her Husband: M.P. Schneider, Jr.; Parents: Hugh Morrow, Jr. and Dorothy Thomas Morrow; and Brother: Hugh Morrow, III. Age: 89 years. Born in Birmingham, AL, February 22, 1930, Mrs. Kole graduated Bennett College in Millbrook, NY and attended Newcomb College in New Orleans, where she met and married Pete Schneider, Jr. The young couple moved to Slidell in 1951 where Pete took over running the family business, St. Joe Brick Works, Inc. while Gardner began a life-long career of volunteerism for the civic enrichment of her new hometown and state, and helping her neighbors in need, while serving the needs of her own growing family. Gardner Schneider Kole was instrumental in founding, leading and/or serving in many of Slidell’s civic clubs and organizations throughout her life. Some of her volunteer work included serving as President of Slidell Civic Club, Camillia Club, Junior Auxiliary, Girl Scout Leader, Slidell PTA, Jaycee Jane’s, ASTA – Tourism Club, Slidell Bantam Baseball Association, and President of the State Board of Easter Seals of Louisiana. Her gift, skill and love of dance and theater led her to teach and inspire students in her own dance studio for a number of years and also to actively work to open doors of opportunity for others in the performing arts in Slidell, with organizations such as Slidell Little Theatre, and Slidell Performing Arts Guild. Following the death of her husband in 1977, Gardner continued on actively serving both the public through her philanthropic work and in continuing her family’s business, as an owner and Vice-President of St. Joe Brick Works, Inc., a position she held until her death. In 1984, Gardner married world renowned jazz pianist, Ronnie Kole, and her life and works were enriched further by their union. With their vast contacts, their dynamic personalities, and their joint dedication to helping raise awareness and funding for the arts and for charities, the Koles enjoyed and used their collaboration for the greater good. In Jazz on the Bayou, a charity event founded and held annually on the grounds of their home, Chateau Kole, they helped raise millions of dollars over the years furthering the work of such organizations as Easter Seals, STARC and others. Whether at her husband’s side entertaining President’s and Royalty or chatting with a friend or stranger, Gardner had a gracious way of endearing all. Gardner Kole was a woman of vision, strength of character, intelligence, keen wit, kindness and determination; one who not only birthed ideas but took action herself to bring them to fruition. Gardner Schneider Kole was a wife, mother, teacher, mentor and friend to many world-wide that will be truly missed. The family would like to express their gratitude of Gardner’s Doctors, medical staff and her caregiver, Ethel Kemp.
Relatives and friends of the family are invited to attend the Funeral Services at HONAKER FUNERAL HOME, 1751 GAUSE Blvd. WEST (IN FOREST LAWN CEMETERY), Slidell, LA., on Tuesday, January 28, 2020 at 1:00 P.M. Rev. Jim Baham officiating. Private Interment in FOREST LAWN CEMETERY. Visitation on Tuesday, January 28, 2020 after 11:00 A.M. until service time.
Please visit www.honakerforestlawn.com to sign guestbook.
Arrangements by Honaker Funeral Home, Inc., Slidell, LA.
