Pat Gifford, AKA: Patricia Burke, Welch: 78 years old of New Berlin, N.Y. passed away on July 1, 2016 at Strong Memorial Hospital, Rochester, NY.
Patricia was born on May 25, 1938 in Deposit, NY the daughter of Christopher and Ruth Burke.
Her childhood was spent in New Berlin, NY. She was a 1956 graduate of New Berlin Central School and a 1959 graduate of RIT in Rochester, NY, where she held the honor of being the first female to receive a printing degree.
Pat was employed at Sears in Oneonta, NY for 10 years and at AO Fox Memorial Hospital, Oneonta for 5 years. She was the owner and operator of “A Sunshine Home” which catered to Alzheimer’s patients for more than 15 years.
Pat became a Christian as a young adult and faithfully attended a church wherever she lived throughout her life helping in many ways and holding many roles within the church. She was currently a member of the First United Methodist Church in New Berlin. Through the years she has been a member of the DAR, the executive director of the Unadilla Valley Railroad Society, chairman of the New Berlin Town Planning Committee, a board member of the New Berlin Art Forum, a Girl Scout Leader, a member of the Nifty Club and was very active in the 60+ Club. She shared her writing talent with many of these organizations. She was also noted for her generosity and hospitality.
Pat turned her personal challenges with her health into an opportunity to help others by establishing the Ostomy Association of Oneonta, NY. This became the Central NY Ostomy Network that reached out to individuals all across NYS and beyond who were fraught with similar challenges.
Pat is survived by her children: Kristina “Kitty” Behnke of Sidney and adopted children; John Welch of Mount Vision, NY; Hezekiah Welch of New Berlin, NY; Michael Welch of Reno, NV; and Kevin Welch of Florida; as well as her sister: Susan Jane Webb of Towanda, PA.; grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, nephews and cousins. She was predeceased by her parents and her brother; Christopher Burke, Jr.
A funeral service will be held on Friday, July 8, 2016 at the First United Methodist Church in New Berlin NY with Pastor Lyle Linder officiating. Calling hours will be held at the church starting at 9am, a service celebrating her life will be at 11 am. The interment will be in the Riverside Cemetery, South New Berlin, NY. Following this will be a “PotLuck” at the Methodist Church Fellowship Hall.
Arrangements are by the Dakin Funeral Home, LP, New Berlin, NY. Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.dakinfuneralhome,com. Donations can be made in her name to the Unadilla Valley Railroad Society, New Berlin, NY 13411.