IN MEMORIAM: Pat Gifford, 78;

Founded Ostomy Assoc. Chapter

NEW BERLIN – Pat Gifford, 78, a civic leader here who worked for 15 years in Oneonta, helping found the Ostomy Association chapter there, then 15 more operating a “Sunshine Home” catering to Alzeimer’s patients,  passed away on July 1, 2016 at Strong Memorial Hospital, Rochester, NY.

Patricia was born on May 25, 1938, in Deposit, the daughter of Christopher and Ruth Burke. Her childhood was spent in New Berlin. She was a 1956 graduate of New Berlin Central School and a
1959 graduate of RIT in Rochester, where she held the honor of being the first female to receive a printing degree.

Pat was employed at Sears in Oneonta for 10 years, then Fox Hospital for five before opening a  “Sunshine Home.”

As a young adults, she had become a Christian, faithfully attending a church wherever she lived throughout her. She was currently a member of the First United Methodist Church in New Berlin.

Through the years she has been a member of the DAR, the executive director of the Unadilla Valley Railroad Society, chairman of the New Berlin Town Planning Committee, a board member of the New Berlin Art Forum, a Girl Scout leader, a member of the Nifty Club and was very active in the 60+ Club.

She shared her writing talent with many of these organizations. She was also noted for her generosity and hospitality. Pat turned her personal challenges with her health into an opportunity to help others by establishing the Ostomy Association of Oneonta. This became the Central NY Ostomy Network that reached out to individuals all across the state and beyond who were fraught with similar challenges.

Pat is survived by daughter Kristina “Kitty” Behnke of Sidney, and adopted children John Welch of Mount Vision; Hezekiah Welch of New Berlin; Michael Welch of Reno, Nev., and Kevin Welch of Florida; as well as her sister, Susan Jane Webb of Towanda, Pa.; grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, nephews and cousins. She was predeceased by her parents and her brother; Christopher Burke, Jr.

A funeral service will be at 11 a.m. Friday, July 8, at the First United Methodist Church in New Berlin with Pastor Lyle Linder officiating. Calling hours will begin at 9 a.m. The interment will be in the Riverside Cemetery, South New Berlin.

Following this will be a “potluck” at the Methodist Church Fellowship Hall.

Donations can be made in her name to the Unadilla Valley Railroad Society, New Berlin, NY 13411

The Dakin Funeral Home, New Berlin, is in charge of arrangements.