Frances Gardiner Obituary

Frances Dulany Gardiner, 82, passed away at home on July 1, 2025, in South Boston, Virginia, with her son William by her side. She was born on February 14, 1943, in New York, the daughter of Frances “Fanny” Gardiner Collins and Ed Gardner.

Fran lived a full and adventurous life. She was a skilled horsewoman and an accomplished barrel racer who spent many years riding and competing. She loved to travel and had the opportunity to see much of the world. At home, she was known for her picturesque flower gardens and her love of cats and horses.

Fran was a proud 17th-generation member of East Hampton’s oldest family, with roots tracing back to Lion Gardiner, the town’s first English settler, who was granted Gardiner’s Island by King Charles I of England in 1629.

Frances was preceded in death by her parents, Frances Gardiner Collins and Ed Gardner; her sister, Mary Collins; her son, Richard Hagerman; and her granddaughter, Cassidy Hagerman.

She is survived by her children, William (Danyell) Ballou, Randy (Elizabeth) Hagerman; her daughter-in-law, Christie Hagerman; and her grandchildren: Hannah Ballou, Maxwell Ballou, Finley Ballou, Willow Ballou, William Gage Ballou, Alexa Raines-Ballou, Eric Hagerman, and Dean Hagerman.

Fran will be remembered for her strong will, her love of animals, and the many ways she made her home and life her own.

In keeping with Fran’s wishes, she will be cremated. Her final resting place will be in East Hampton, New York, alongside her mother and ancestors including Lion Gardiner.

Online condolences may be directed to www.powellfuneralinc.com.

Arrangements are entrusted to Powell Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 1603 Wilborn Ave., South Boston, VA 24592.