Gloria (Clifford) Gifford, 86, of Rockland, beloved wife of the late Robert W. Gifford, died peacefully on Oct. 27 at Penobscot Bay Medical Center in Rockport, surrounded by her family. She was born June 1, 1925, in Brooklyn, N.Y., daughter of Henry and Hazel (Walden) Clifford.
Gloria had been a resident of Rockland for over 60 years. She was a graduate of Curtis High School, Staten Island, N.Y. and Lasell Jr. College in Auburndale, Mass. She worked at Cousens Realty, Marine Colloids, Inc., and the law office of Frank Harding, in Rockland, and Northeast Health Foundation in Rockport, the organization that laid the groundwork for the Penobscot Bay Medical Center. She was also a community volunteer for several organizations. Gloria was an avid reader, crossword puzzler, Scrabble player and bird watcher. She was a dedicated mother, aunt, grandmother and great-grandmother.
She is survived by five children, Steven and Mary Gifford of Brewer, Gloria and J. Donald Murray of Braintree, Mass., Robert Gifford II and Melody Fortier of Gardner, Mass., Cynthia and Sheldon Bryant of Thomaston, and William Gifford and Mary Dowling of Rockland; grandchildren, Karl Gifford, John and Douglas Murray, Anna-Li Claiborne, Peter, David and Danny King, Elliot and Wesley Bryant, and Ansel and Layla Gifford; nieces, Elizabeth Gifford Stuart and Nancy Gifford; nephew, Charles Gifford; six great-grandchildren; and seven grand nieces and nephews and their children; cousin, Ruth Brookes of New Harbor; special friends, Dr. John C. Wood of Newtown, Penn., Ruth Farrell of Rockland, Veronica Abbott-Wheat of Camden; and caregiver Dena Coughlin, RN, of Warren.
Celebration of Gloria’s life 2 p.m., Sat., Nov. 19 at The First Universalist Church, 345 Broadway, Rockland with a reception to follow.
In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to the Rockland District Nursing Association, Inc., 44 Limerock St., Rockland, ME 04841; or to the Rockland Public Library Book Fund, 80 Union St., Rockland, ME 04841.
To share a condolence with Mrs. Gifford’s family, please visit her online Book of Memories at www.bchfh.com.
Arrangements are in the care of Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home, 110 Limerock St., Rockland.