Obituary of Lena G. Gifford

Lena G. Gifford, Afton Lena G. Gifford, 97 of Afton passed away Tuesday, January 23, 2018 at the home of her daughter surrounded by her family in Nineveh, NY. She was born May 5, 1920, daughter of the late Ralph and Myrtie (Merritt) Sherman in Afton, NY. Lena graduated from Bainbridge Central School and later married Clarence Gifford on May 5, 1939 at her parents' home in East Afton, NY. He predeceased her on May 15, 2003. Together they worked the family dairy farm in Afton, NY. Lena also worked in the cafeteria for the Afton Central School retiring in 1983. They were active in the Afton Grange and the Afton Fair. She was a member of the Afton Senior Ladies and the Ugly Quilt Group which made quilts for the homeless. Lena was a dedicated member of the First Baptist Church of Afton. She enjoyed crafts, especially quilting and embroidery. Lena also liked to read and loved to pick berries. Her family was very important to her and they will miss her dearly. She is survived by: Daughters and son-in-laws, Phyllis and Ralph Lowe, Nineveh, NY; Lucille and Malcolm Smith, Garner, NC; Marlene Gifford, Rensselaer, NY. 11 Grandchildren – Jeff and Tammie Lowe, Afton, NY; Dan and Sonja Lowe, Nineveh ,NY; Cheryl and Glenn Hamilton, Harpursville ,NY; Shelly and Jeff Jones, Unadilla ,NY; Mark and Marie Lowe, Nineveh, NY; Suzanna and Kevin Brown, Garner, NC; Jonathan and Natalie Merical, Durham, NC; Jennifer and Jeremiah Chaffee, Geneva ,NY; Jillian and Lee Teitsworth, Rush, NY; Steven Crock, Boston, MA; Megan Crock, Rensselaer, NY. Great Grandchildren, Danielle, Jeffrey, Kaitlyn, Kiersten, Megan, Jeffrey, Jacob, Jared, Malayia, Makenna, Sarah, Matthew, Nathaniel, Juliet, Owen, Molly and Noelle Great, Great Grandchildren, Cooper, Chloe, Bria and Maci Several Nieces, Nephews, Cousins and many dear friends Lena was also predeceased by 2 daughters, Marilyn Gifford and Beverly Blackington as well as 8 Brothers and 4 Sisters. Friends may call Friday, January 26, 2018 from 7-9 PM at C.H. Landers Funeral Chapel 21 Main St. Sidney, NY and Saturday, January 27, 2018 from 10:00 am to 11:00 am at the First Baptist Church of Afton, Funeral services will follow at 11:00 am with Pastor Chris Prezorski officiating. Burial will be in Prospect Hill Cemetery in Sidney, NY in the spring. Lena's family would like to thank Crystal, Alicia, Lisa, Sarah and Rachel of Lourdes Hospice for their care and compassion. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Lourdes Hospice 4102 Old Vestal Rd. Vestal, NY 13850 or the First Baptist Church of Afton 30 Caswell St. Afton, NY 13730. Condolences and memories may be shared online at www.landersfh.com. Arrangements are under the direction of C.H. Landers Funeral Chapel Sidney.