Madelaine Eugenia (Cregier) Gifford

Madelaine was born in Chicago, IL on December 26, 1928 to Polish immigrants George and Isabell Cregier. Her mother Isabell immigrated through Ellis Island after leaving Sosnowiec, Poland sailing via Rotterdam. Madelaine was a sister to Alfrieda, Edmond, and Herbert. She lived in Chicago until her family briefly moved to San Bernardino, CA, where she graduated from San Bernardino High School in 1947. Madelaine met Frank Gifford on a blind double date. They married July 24, 1947 with the ceremony officiated by Frank’s father Rev. Homer Gifford in the Lutheran Church of our Savior. Madelaine was born and raised Catholic but continued to worship with the Gifford family for the rest of her life. Frank and Madelaine honeymooned in Yosemite and Bass Lake and moved to Colton, CA, where Frank had graduated High School. The couple moved to McFarland a few years later and had three sons, Craig, Ryan and Eric who were raised there. Madelaine lived near to her in-laws and became close friends with her sister-in-law Ruby, and they raised their sons alongside each other.

Madelaine played golf, painted, and loved fishing and playing cards and games with family and friends. She was a beautiful and stylish woman who loved fashion. She was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She is survived by her sons Craig, Ryan and Eric, and their wives Yuleen, Lucia Cristina, and Kathy; her grandchildren Frank, Stefanie, Lindsay, Brian, Juliet, Kevin and Dennis; and her great-grandchildren Mason, Cameron, Jerik, Weston, Nayeli and Mayra. She had many beloved friends in the Kern City Community Church and was especially grateful for her home health care workers Theresa Moreno and Elizabeth Sanchez.

Madelaine passed away peacefully at home surrounded by loved ones on Friday, July 21, 2023 at 7:30 p.m. at the age of 94. She will remain in beloved memory.

A visitation for Madelaine will be held Monday, August 7, 2023 from 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM at Hillcrest Memorial Park and Mortuary, 9101 Kern Canyon Road, Bakersfield, CA 93306. A funeral service will occur Monday, August 7, 2023 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM, 9101 Kern Canyon Road, Bakersfield, CA 93306. A graveside service will occur Monday, August 7, 2023 from 11:30 AM to 12:30 PM, 9101 Kern Canyon Road, Bakersfield, CA 93306.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.hillcrestmemorial.com for the Gifford family.