The daughter of Emile and Josephine (Savoie) Fournier, she was one of their 15 children, grew up in East Hartford and graduated from East Hartford High School.
Earlier in life, she worked as a keypunch operator for Aetna Insurance Company, distributed Shaklee products, catered many parties and weddings, and was an administrative substitute in the East Hartford school system. But her main focus in life was raising her five children.
She was a fabulous cook and enjoyed entertaining family and friends in her home. Watching her dance with her husband or her brothers was a wonderful thing.
Her strong Catholic faith guided her path throughout her life. She will be dearly missed.
Her beloved husband of 55 years, James Gifford, preceded her in death, as did most of her siblings. She is survived by her five children Donna Patrick of Livingston, MT (Michael); Janice Stratton of Carmel, IN (Edward); Karen Brett of Manchester CT (Michael); Kevin A. Gifford of Somers, CT and Margaret Spada of New Britain, CT. She leaves 13 grandchildren: Emily Patrick, Erin Patrick, Ian Patrick, Meghan Stratton, Kristen Brett, Michael Brett, Jessica Nadwairski, Austen Brett, Ashley Gifford, Sherry Petras, Gifford Spada, Cameron Spada and Quinn Spada. She has seven great-grandchildren: Bailey and Mia Babel; Thomas, Julian and Jesse Nadwairski; Savannah and Charlotte Brett. She also is survived by her brothers Emile Fournier and Richard Fournier, her sister Lorraine Giansanti, her sister-in-law Joan Seymour and many beloved nieces and nephews.
The family would like to thank the wonderful staff at Spring Creek Inn Memory Care Community in Bozeman for their care and love of Philisse. They are truly some of the best.
Funeral services will be held on Monday, April 29, 2024 at 9:30am at Newkirk & Whitney Funeral Home, 318 Burnside Ave., East Hartford, CT followed by a mass of Christian burial at 11am at Saint Rose Church, 33 Church St. East Hartford, CT . Burial will follow at Silver Lane Cemetery Veteran Field. Relatives and friends may call at the funeral home on Sunday, April 28 from 3-7pm.
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