Irene “Reney” “Big Rene” Gardner was born on February 5, 1961 in Brockport NY to the late Mose Gardner and Lillie Mae Hannah. Irene attended Charles D’ Amico High School, where she excelled in Volleyball and Track & Field until her graduation in 1979. After graduation Irene worked briefly for the summer breakfast program (Park on Wheels) and Comstock until her mother’s health began to fail and she would start her true calling as a “caretaker” for her mother. Along with caretaking for her mother she also began her career as the family charge (babysitter) during this time. Irene was an avid football fan. She loved to cook and would always say “I’m not fancy, but I can make anything taste good”. Irene loved to debate “argue” about any and everything to get a reaction from her family. She also loved “Christmas” and buying gifts for the kids. Irene was called home on the morning of February 5, 2021 unexpectedly. Irene Gardner is predeceased by her mother Lillie Mae Hannah, her father Mose Gardner, her sisters Jeanette Hannah and Rosemary Hunt as well as her brothers Tommy Lee Gardner and Raymond Hannah. She leaves to mourn her passing, but cherish her memories; one brother Freddie Gardner of Kendall, NY; four sisters Charlie Mae McNeil (Albion, NY), Ruth Ann Scurry (Monticello, Fl), Joyce Bedward and Brenda Lee Taylor both of (Albion, NY). Her first “charges” Mark Brewer, Dajuandrick Gardner, Demetrius Gardner, Shameka Taylor, LaTonya Long, Marcell Taylor, Moses Taylor, Morris Taylor, Trenton Gardner, Tyriek Johnson, Legacy Hunt, Shay Hunt, Kafawndra Hunt, Kenyetta Oliver. Second “Charges” Breanda Johnson, Brilliance Johnson, Jada Long, Shomari Howard, Kerrick “KJ” Henry, Charlie Phelps, Sanaai Johnson, D’monte Hunt, Curtis Hunt, Mya Taylor, Maelynn Taylor, Moses Taylor, Jr., Maximus Taylor, Kayliani Taylor, Morris Taylor, Jr., Azena Diaz and a host of other nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews. Irene truly loved her nieces and nephews; she was more than an aunt to all of them; she was a second mother/grandmother and will be truly missed by all. Irene's family will receive friends at the Christopher Mitchell Funeral Homes, Inc. 21 West Ave. Albion, NY 14411 on Friday, February 12, 2021 from 10:00-12:00pm where her Home Going Service will be held immediately following at 12:00pm. To view the livestream of her service, please watch the video below her obituary on the website. Interment will follow at Mt. Albion Cemetery.Interment will follow at Mt. Albion Cemetery. Please note the Funeral Home will be operating at 50% capacity per state guidelines as of February 5, 2021. New York state requires those in attendance to adhere to social distancing guidelines and face coverings are mandatory. Memorial contributions in Irene's name may be made to Lake Plains Dialysis Center 11020 W. Center St. Ext. Medina, NY 14103. To share a special memory of Irene, please visit www.mitchellfamilyfuneralhomes.com.