HANNIBAL, NY – Barbara May (Shutts) Gifford, 89, of Hannibal, passed away peacefully on Thursday May 15, 2014, at Oswego Hospital.
Barbara was born August 8, 1924, in Sterling, daughter of the late Howard Cooper and Amy Stone Cooper.
She lived in Martville and most recently, Hannibal.
She was employed by Westreco and Herron’s Fabric Center.
Barbara was an avid quilter and custom seamstress and was known for enjoying spirited card games with her many friends.
She was a member of the Hannibal United Methodist Church along with being the founder of the Lake Shore Country Quilt Guild, co-founder and co-trainer of RSVP Osteoporosis Program in Hannibal, Elderberry’s Senior Citizens of Hannibal, Ecumenical and the Enoch Thomas cluster representative from the Hannibal United Methodist Church, member of the Sarah Circle (sending cards from the church), member of the Spirit Life Team, Church Woman of the Year, and Historical Society Citizen of the Year.
In addition to her parents, Mrs. Gifford was predeceased by her first husband, Harry E. Shutts; her second husband, John A. Gifford; a step-daughter, Nita Gifford; and her sister, Marian C. Ducret of Georgia on April 5, 2014.
She is survived by three sons and a daughter: Barry E. (Madeline) Shutts of Tampa, Fla., Stephen H. (Sharon) Shutts of Wolcott, Glenn A. (Vivian) Gifford of Henrietta and Margaret S. Shutts of Rochester; two step-daughters, Gail Gifford of Ohio and April Mullins of Connecticut; four grandchildren: Jackie (Tom) Cole, Jessie (Todd) Shoemaker, Angela Shutts and Nicole Macon (Kevin); five great-grandchildren; a niece, Joanne Gaba and a nephew, David Ducret.
Calling hours will be held 10 to 11:30 a.m. Monday at Hannibal United Methodist Church, 320 Church St., Hannibal.
Funeral services will follow at 11:30 a.m. at the church with Reverend Dean Flemming officiating.
Interment will be at Fairdale Rural Cemetery, Hannibal.
Special thanks go out to the Emergency staff at Oswego Hospital for the gentle care Barbara received while in their care.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Hannibal United Methodist Church, 320 Church St., P.O. Box 89, Hannibal, NY, 13074; the Alzheimer’s Association of CNY, 441 W. Kirkpatrick St., Syracuse, NY, 13204 or the American Diabetes Association Syracuse, NY Office, 6390 Fly Road, second Floor, East Syracuse, NY, 13057.
Foster Funeral Home, Hannibal has care of arrangements.
Foster Funeral Home, Inc.
www.fosterfuneralhome.com
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It surely is a sad time in Hannibal. Barbara was a dear friend to all, but especially to my mother. She was with us when my mother passed away and was a great comfort. Knowing how much people thought of her must be a comfort to the family!
Barbara was such a bright light. She spread sunshine every where she went. Loved to hear her giggle and loved to hear her stories. She was an inspiration, and she had such talent, but didn’t see it in herself. We will love and miss her forever. She was such a gracious lady. We were blessed to know her. Our sympathies to her family. You had a great mom!
Barbara was one of the sweetest women we have known. Her kind and gentle disposition endeared her to many. She was a loyal friend. Once in a while she would get her dander up, and she would speak her mind freely. Barbara had an artistic gift that she shared freely, but modestly. It is a joy that Barbara was taken to heaven without painful delay – just as she wanted. We are among the many who will sincerely miss her.
Barbara was one of the sweetest women we have known. Her kind demeanor endeared her to many. Never critical of others, it was only when she got her “dander up” that she would sputter. She had an artistic talent that she shared freely – but modestly. Barbara was a loyal friend, and we are among the many who will sincerely miss her here on earth. We are joyful that Barbara’s passing was swift, without long delay, just as Barbara wanted her passing to be.