Obituary of Patricia M. Gifford

Patricia M. Gifford, 86, of Town of Lee, passed away peacefully, at home, with family by her side, Saturday, August 15, 2020. She was born in Utica, NY, on October 17, 1933, daughter of the late Frank and Mary Ziajka Malecki. Patricia graduated from Utica Free Academy in 1951. She was an accomplished swimmer and diver, competing, and medaling in many AAU swim and diving events held at The Addison-Miller Pool and for the school swim team. On October 24, 1956, she married Frederick D. Gifford in Utica. He passed away July 23, 1984. Patricia was a former employee of NY Telephone Co., she left her employment there to raise her family. Later in life, Pat worked at ARC of Oneida County, where she enjoyed working with and was a very strong advocate for special needs adults. She was a member of St. Paul's Church. Pat enjoyed spending time with her family. She was an avid bowler earning several honor scores and awards, enjoyed golfing, and liked watching all types of sports.

Surviving are a daughter, Deborah Muhlebeck, Floyd, NY two sons and a daughter-in-law; Frederick Gifford, Jr., Daniel and Sandra Gifford, all of Rome, grandchildren; Julia and Ryan Williams, Jonathan and Patti Muhlebeck, Sydney, Sierra and Hunter Gifford, great-grandchildren; Jacob and Liam Williams, Charlotte Muhlebeck, Skylar and Aubrey Brown. Also surviving are a brother and sister-in-law, James and Gayle Malecki, Bath, NY, a sister, Virginia Malecki, New York Mills, and several nieces, nephews and cousins. She was predeceased by her husband Frederick, a daughter, Barbara Gifford, who passed away, April 1, 2008 and a brother, Donald Malecki.

The family would like to express a special thank you to Independent Care, especially, Marcia and Janice, for the care and compassion shown to Pat. Thank you to Amcare Ambulance Service for their assistance.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on, Wednesday, August 19, 2020, at 12:30 p.m., at St. Paul's Church. Burial will be in Rome Cemetery. Friends may call at the Nicholas J. Bush Funeral Home, Inc., 7751 Merrick Rd., on Wednesday, from 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m., prior to the Funeral Mass at 12:30 p.m., at St. Paul's Church. Anyone who wishes to attend is required to wear a mask and adhere to social distancing guidelines.

Memorial contributions may be made in Patricia's name to: Lake Delta Fire Department, P.O. Box 596 , Rome, NY, 13442.

To offer online condolences, please visit www.njbushfuneralhome.com