Sophronia Emerson Gardner affectionately known as " Betty or Mrs. Gardner" passed away in complete peace and serenity on January 16, 2015 at the age of 99 at the Grafton County Nursing Home in North Haverhill, NH where she had resided since 2009. At the time of her death she was the Matriarch of the Emerson Family which has a large presence in the area. She was born in Topsham VT on July 17, 1915 on a family farm to Charles Ralph and Luvia (Evans) Emerson. One of eight children she was the first to go to High School and graduated from Groton High School in 1934. She was blessed with the opportunity to have two families in her lifetime. Her first included her life with Earl Long in the Warren/Waitsfield VT area. Her children from this family are Shirley Demetrules (Bill) Corinth VT, Earl Long Jr. (Ann) deceased of Concord, NH, Grace Viens (Bernard) of Faston VT, Luvia Callahan (Timothy) of Lunenburg VT, Robert Long (Kate) of Bethel VT and Sharon Hope Emerson of Montpelier VT. Her second family was with Harold Gardner of Piermont NH, a town in which they resided for over 50 years. Their children are Stephen Gardner of Topsham VT, Heidi Gardner Peyton (James) of Orford, NH and Sandra Eberhardt Gardner of Lisbon, NH. Mr. Gardner's sons from his first family Harold Gardner ( Silvette deceased. Jean) West Fairlee VT, Wayne Gardner, Phoenix Arizona and Ronald Gardner Piermont, NH and their families were a constant and pleasant presence in her life. She leaves many beloved grandchildren, great grandchildren and great- great grandchildren. Betty was given many talents which she used in her life. She was an amazing cook and loved to make pies and doughnuts accompanied by her signature cup of coffee. Her talents as a seamstress and tailor were extraordinary. She could take a piece of fabric and make a work of art. She had many careers which included the position of Chief Cook at Camp Kaora a private Boys camp located on Indian Pond in Piermont, NH. Her wit and ease with customers made table service a natural fit for her as she worked in many local eateries including the original Chimes Restaurant in Bradford, VT and The Robert's Fairlee Diner. Her true calling and work in life began in 1963 when she established The Little Jenny Home in Piermont, NH. Together with her husband Harold she opened their home to developmentally disabled children who needed specialized care. She was a pioneer in her field establishing some of the first educational facilities in the area. She recognized the need for her special children to have every available educational opportunity that all children should have and that was their right. She also established a medical precedence for her children's care. Again, with the belief that her special children deserved the best medical care possible. These concepts were quite revolutionary in the 1960's and 70's making her work controversial to some and renowned to many. She cared for over 300 children in her lifetime and retired in 2009 at the age of 93 when her last child left her care. Calling hours will be on Saturday, January 24 from 5-7 PM at Ricker Funeral Home, 1 Birch Street, Woodsville, NH. A Memorial Service will take place on Sunday, January 25 at 3:00 PM, also at Ricker Funeral Home. A reception will follow the service at Peyton Place Restaurant in Orford NH. At Betty's request memorial contributions may be sent to Upper Valley Pediatrics, 331 Upper Plain, Bradford VT 05033, C/O Dr. Mark Harris, to help with medical costs for children with financial need. "Bless with all thy tender care little children everywhere.