Obituary of Eleanor V. Gifford

Mrs. Eleanor V. Gifford, age 100, of Gloversville, New York, passed away on Wednesday, September 7, 2022 at her daughter's home in Gloversville.

She was born on July 19, 1922 in Gloversville, the daughter of Roy and Ruth (Button) Vermilyea. She graduated from Gloversville High School, Class of 1939, and following graduation went to work making gloves. After meeting her husband, Fay, they moved to Scotia, settled down and her full time job became raising their five children. She returned to work in her fifties as a kitchen aide for Catholic Family Services Senior Meals Program at St. Stephen's Church in Schenectady. After Fay's passing in 2001, Eleanor moved back to Gloversville.  She was an active member of the 1st Congregational United Church of Christ and enjoyed her time with the Gloversville Senior Citizens.

When she wasn't working or caring for her family, Eleanor had a gift for crocheting, and loved to bake (mostly pies and breads). She could often be found socializing with her friends through the Popular Catalogue Sales Club, and she was known by many to be able to stretch a dollar. Whenever possible she'd escape to her camp on Galway Lake, and would often host gatherings at the camp, as well as participating in Weiss Grove events around her lake home. In her quiet moments she could be found with a romance novel, and a piece (or several) of chocolate for her sweet tooth. More than anything, she loved her family and spending time with them.

Eleanor is survived by her children: Lenora (Alynn) Evans, Betsy (Gary) Bates, and John (Kim) Gifford; eleven grandchildren, fourteen great-grandchildren, and 8 great-great grandchildren; several nieces and nephews, and two sons-in-law: George Spohn, and William Briggs.

She was predeceased by her husband of over 50 years: Fay E. Gifford; her parents: Roy Vermilyea and Ruth W. (Button) Fish; her siblings: George Vermilyea, Rose Evans, and Jane Stowitts; and her daughters: Bonnie Spohn, and Marilyn Briggs.

The family will receive relatives and friends on Tuesday, September 13, 2022 at First Congregational United Church of Christ, 31 E. Fulton St., Gloversville, NY, 12078 for a Celebration of Life at 2:00pm, officiated by the retired Rev. Ralph S. English.

Interment will take place privately at the convenience of her family at Park Cemetery in Scotia, NY. 

Contributions in memory of Eleanor may be made to the First Congregational United Church of Christ (Food Pantry), 31 E. Fulton St., Gloversville, NY 12078, or to The Cat Sanctuary in Broadalbin (TCSIB), PO Box 344, Gloversville, NY 12078.

The staff of Walrath & Stewart Funeral Home is honored to be assisting the Gifford family.