Diane M. Gifford

Princetown – Diane M. Gifford, 68, went home peacefully to be with her Lord on Wednesday, September 21, 2022 after  sudden complications of a long term illness.

Born in Niskayuna, Diane was a graduate of the Duanesburg School District and was employed by Blue Cross and Blue Shield for over 40 years. She had worked remotely from home for a number of years prior to it becoming a common practice. She had fond friends from work, Paula and Kathy, with whom she kept in contact. In her earlier years, Diane enjoyed bowling, movies, pinochle, camping, going to the dirt races, and had studied beginner martial arts for personal protection. Although she wasn’t a big fan of traveling, there are two fond memories. One of a family & friends trip to the Bahamas in her youth. And later in life, going to visit family in Myrtle Beach. That trip was such a happy time for all, with so much shared laughter and fond memories.

Diane had a sweet and gentle nature and was happiest when visiting with her family and close friends.

She is survived by her stepmother, Shirley (Clute) Gifford (George), stepbrother Roger Heckman (Eileen Joy), stepsister Nancy McDermott (John), nephew Jason Heckman, nieces Heather Heckman, Sara (VanderVeen) Zelazny (Andrew), Anne Marie (VanderVeen) Civitello (Stephen), Kristin Vander Veen and M. "Max" McDermott. She is also survived by cousins Howard Gifford (Irene), Nancy Maxwell (Dave, deceased), Uncle Warren and Aunt Inge Gifford, Cousins Donnie Gifford, Karen Lewandowski (Jeff), Aunt Pat Gifford, Cousins Audrey Gifford (Eugene) Gary Gifford (Beth), Aunt Dorothy Tygert, Cousins Kent Tygert (Cindy), Pam Tygert (Alan, deceased), Carol Bailey (James), Aunt Margeret Bixby, Cousins Sandy Bixby Rourke, John Bixby (Kathy), Mary Bixby, Jeff Bixby (Karen), Aunt Barbara Gifford, and cousin Adam Gifford.

She is also survived by her Godson Howard ‘Howie’ Gifford, son of cousin Howard (Irene) Gifford. Being a godmother meant so much to her, being unmarried and without children of her own.

She was predeceased by her grandparents, Harlan and Irena Gifford, as well as her parents, George and Marjorie (Duell) Gifford. Also her Uncle Harlan and Aunt Helen Gifford, Uncle Ralph and Aunt Louise Gifford, Uncle Wendall Tygert, Uncle Jim Bixby, and Uncle Robert Gifford.

A Memorial Service will be held at 11 am on Tuesday, October 18th at Princetown Church, 3662 Giffords Church Rd., Princetown.

Burial will follow at Schenectady Memorial Park, Rotterdam.

While flowers would not be unwelcome, the family suggests as an alternative making a donation to your local community food bank, or to the American Lung Association.

 

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