Laura Snyder-Gardner and Mary Ann Gardner

Laura Snyder-Gardner, a faculty member at Gallaudet University, and her daughter, Mary Ann Gardner, a junior at the Model Secondary School for the Deaf, passed away in a fire at their Falls Church, VA, home in the early morning hours of January 23, 2013.Born and raised in Madison, WI, Laura, 48, was a full-time faculty member in mathematics in the General Studies Program. She began her career at Gallaudet in January 2009. Last fall, she also served as assistant coach of the girls' soccer team at the Model Secondary School for the Deaf.Laura received her bachelor's degree in computer science from Flagler College in Saint Augustine, Florida, in 1987, a master's degree in deaf education from the University of North Florida in Jacksonville in 1991, and a second master's degree in education-administration from the University of Phoenix in Jacksonville in 2008.Before coming to Gallaudet University, Laura taught at Florida School for the Deaf and Blind in Saint Augustine from 1988 to 2008 and taught part-time at Flagler College. Laura was an ardent animal lover, enjoyed genealogy and was considered the family historian.Laura was preceded in death by her parents, Douglas and Mary Ann Snyder. She is survived by two sons, James and Jody Gardner; sisters Ann Burt and Nanci Knutson; and a brother John Snyder.Born in St. Augustine, FL, Mary Ann Gardner, 16, arrived at Kendall Demonstration Elementary School (KDES) as a 7th grader in February 2009. Throughout her time at KDES and MSSED, Mary Ann was very active and engaged in all aspects of both schools. She was an honors student, a member of the soccer and cheerleading teams, and actively involved in after-school programs, including the Student Government and Jr. NAD.Mary Ann is survived by her father, Joseph Gardner; and two brothers, James and Jody Gardner.Visitation at Wisconsin Memorial Park, Chapel of the Chimes, 13235 West Capitol Drive, Brookfield, WI, on Saturday, February 23, 2013, 10:00-11:30 AM. A Celebration of Life will be held at 11:30 AM.In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting that donations be made to the Laura Snyder-Gardner and Mary Ann Gardner Scholarship Fund. Go to giving.gallaudet.edu/gardnerfund to donate online. To send a check, please note "Gardner Fund" in the memo section and make the check payable to Gallaudet University, 800 Florida Avenue, NE, Washington, DC 20002.