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Champions of Community Health Care

Peg and Howard Gardner’s generous gift to Providence St. Joseph Hospital

The enduring values of pragmatism and community spirit shine through the lives of Peg Gardner and her late husband, Howard, who passed away in January 2025. The couple, who have called this region home since 1969, made a transformative gift in support of the childbirth center at Providence St. Joseph Hospital. Their contribution is a testament to their deep-rooted belief in the importance of quality health care and their commitment to the well-being of their community.

For the Gardners, supporting St. Joseph Hospital was a natural extension of their desire to see their community thrive. “We want to live in a community that has good medical resources,” Peg explains.

Their support for the childbirth center, in particular, stems from a profound understanding of the impact of a positive birth experience. “If everybody can get off to a good start, the baby gets off to a good start, the family gets off to a good start. It’s all there,” Peg reflects. This perspective is deeply personal for the Gardners, as their younger daughter was born at Providence St. Joseph Hospital.

The Gardners’ philanthropy extends beyond their significant gift to the childbirth center. They have been longtime supporters of the hospital, contributing to various initiatives, including the cancer program and equipment for radiology. Remarkably, both Peg and Howard were cancer survivors who have benefited from the very services they’ve helped fund.

As she reflects on her decision to support St. Joseph Hospital, Peg expresses gratitude for the ability to make a difference in their community. She recognizes that while they can’t do everything, they can do their part. “You can’t do the whole thing, but you can do part of it,” Peg notes, encapsulating their pragmatic approach to philanthropy.

The Gardners’ legacy ensures that the compassionate care they’ve experienced will continue to touch lives for generations to come, embodying the true spirit of community support in Humboldt County.