Dorothy Young Gifford

Dorothy Y. Gifford, age 86, of Venice, Florida passed away on July 15th. She was born February 9, 1928 at Riverhead, NY, the daughter of Carl Chauncy Young and Alta Hallock Young. Dorothy was a graduate of Riverhead High School and Syracuse University with a B.S. degree in Human Development, class of 1949. After graduation she was employed by the United States Department of Agriculture - Cooperative Extension Services, Cornell University as Home Economics Agent for Chenango County, Norwich, NY. She married Robert Case Gifford of Norwich, NY on June 24, 1950 at Riverhead, NY. Mrs. Gifford resumed employment in 1962 with the Florida Cooperative Extension Service a the University of Florida in Gainsville, She was stationed in Broward County, Ft. Lauderdale, FL as Extension Home Economics Agent-Program Leader. Dorothy was an active member of the Florida Association of Extension Home Economists serving as Secretary, President-Elect and President. She belonged to the National Association of Extension Home Economists and was awarded the National Distinguished Service Award in 1974. She was a member of the American Home Economics Association and a Certified Home Economist #04550. Dorothy was a member of the Florida International University College of Education, Division of Education Policy and Human Resource Development. She was honored for her service to Vocational Home Economics Educational Programs. She belonged to the Florida Alpha Delta Chapter of Epsilom Sigma Phi - National Honorary Extension Society and was honored for Meritorious Service in 1984. She retired in 1988 and she and Robert moved to Venice, FL. Dorothy belonged to the Venice-Nokomis Methodist Church. She was a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution, the National Association of Retired Federal Employees and the Venice Area Garden Club. To honor her for serving as president of the Garden Club from 1997 to 1999 a magnolia tree was planted. She was also awarded the Florida Federation Life membership. Her husband Robert Gifford passed away in 1989, her son Dale Gifford (Kris) in 2011 and grandson Mitchell Ross in 1990. She is survived by her daughters; Louise Smith (Donald) and Susan Ross (Gary); sister Marion Hoffmire and four grandchildren Dwight Gifford, Kelly Smith, Kevin Ross (Amy) and Joelle Ross. Arrangements are under the direction of Farley Funeral Home in Venice, FL and Divine-Wilson Memorial Home in Norwich, NY. Burial will be at Mt. Hope Cemetary, Norwich, NY. Memorials in her name can be made to the Venice Area Garden Club. Service Information Date: Saturday, July 19, 2014 Time: 1:00 pm Venice-Nokomis United Methodist Church Address: 208 Palm Avenue, , Nokomis, FL, 34275 | Map