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Remembering the Gifford Matriarch

In my life there has been one person who I have always looked up to for her strength and drive and that woman is Madeline Ruth Gifford (Hayes). Born in Gloversville, NY her childhood was very rough. She began working at age 16, leaving school to take care of her family. Over the course of 40 years she primarily worked at Johnstown Knitting Mill and White Mop Wringer of Fultonville whilst raising six children. If that does not show her determination and character she ended up going back and obtained her GED when she was forty-seven years old. Madeline spent her retirement with her late husband traveling cross-country, even traveling abroad to visit England and France. Family meant everything to her; she spent much time with her children and grandchildren. 

 Madeline was predeceased by her husband, Harold W. Gifford of Northville. Madeline is survived by her children, Connie Cockrell (Randy Cockrell), Kim Enright, Thomas Gifford (Joy Gifford), Don Gifford (Sheri Gifford), Harold Gifford (Sharon Gifford) and Vaughn Gifford; she is survived by her grandchildren as well as many great-grandchildren. Madeline spent a majority of her time the last few years in Northville, playing many poker games, going to the casino and spending time with her family. In the last few months of her life she spent it in sunny Arizona with her older daughter Connie and her son-in-law Randy. 

 We are welcoming friends and family to attend calling hours on Friday January 11, 2019 from 12pm-1pm with the funeral service to follow. Internment at Prospect Hill Cemetery in Northville in the spring. 
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Madeline holding Eli for the First Time

Personally, though I had my grandfather for a short time and my maternal grandmother, I grew so much closer to Madeline. She was always present and always had a smile on her face. The last few years we grew so much closer. She was able to meet her first great-grandson, Eli after he was born. 
Four Generations of Gifford's

I learned how to play "pitch" with her, she gave Eli his first sip of Coca Cola. We played so many different games with her as a family which made the time with her more precious. 

Madeline taking in the beauty in Laughlin, NV
The reality is that she is going to be missed by so many on this earth but I know that although I may miss her wisdom and heart I know that she is no longer ill, in pain or suffering -- she is at peace. I had the luxury of seeing her off on the airport when she left New York and that is how I choose to remember her. 
She wanted a photo with Eli,
this one is my favorite












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