DOROTHY GIFFORD
VENICE, FL – Dorothy Young Gifford, age 86, of Venice, Florida passed away on July 15, 2014.
She was born February 9, 1928 at Riverhead, NY, the daughter of Carl Chauncy Young and Alta Hallock Young. Dorothy was a graduate of Riverhead High School and Syracuse University with a B.S. degree in Human Development, class of 1949. After graduation she was employed by the United States Department of Agriculture – Cooperative Extension Services, Cornell University as Home Economics Agent for Chenango County, Norwich, NY.
She married Robert Case Gifford of Norwich on June 24, 1950 in Riverhead, NY.
Mrs. Gifford resumed employment in 1962 with the Florida Cooperative Extension Service at the University of Florida in Gainsville. She was stationed in Broward County, Ft. Lauderdale, FL as Extension Home Economics Agent-Program Leader.
Dorothy was an active member of the Florida Association of Extension Home Economists serving as Secretary, President-Elect and President. She belonged to the National Association of Extension Home Economists and was awarded the National Distinguished Service Award in 1974. She was a member of the American Home Economics Association and a Certified Home Economist #04550. Dorothy was a member of the Florida International University College of Education, Division of Education Policy and Human Resource Development. She was honored for her service to Vocational Home Economics Educational Programs.
She belonged to the Florida Alpha Delta Chapter of Epsilon Sigma Phi – National Honorary Extension Society and was honored for Meritorious Service in 1984.
She retired in 1988 and she and Robert moved to Venice, FL.
Dorothy belonged to the Venice-Nokomis Methodist Church. She was a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution, the National Association of Retired Federal Employees and the Venice Area Garden Club. To honor her for serving as president of the Garden Club from 1997 to 1999 a magnolia tree was planted. She was also awarded the Florida Federation Life membership.
Her husband Robert Gifford passed away in 1989, her son Dale Gifford (Kris) in 2011 and grandson Mitchell Ross in 1990. She is survived by her daughters; Louise Smith (Donald) and Susan Ross (Gary); sister Marion Hoffmire and four grandchildren Dwight Gifford, Kelly Smith, Kevin Ross (Amy) and Joelle Ross.
Friends are invited to call at the Wilson Funeral Home on Sunday, July 27, 2014 from noon until 1:00 pm. Graveside services will immediately follow with Rev. Joseph Connolly, pastor of the United Church of Christ First Congregational officiating.
Memorials in her name can be made to the Venice Area Garden Club, c/o Mrs. Dee Feeney, 1470 Colony Place, Venice, FL 34292-1550.
Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting the Wilson Funeral Home website at: www.wilsonfh.com.