Shirley Gifford

It is with profound sadness that the Gifford family announces the passing of Shirley Irene Gifford on May 24, 2025. Born in 1931 and raised in Edmonton, Alberta, Shirley was passionately and proudly dedicated and philanthropic towards a vast range of Edmonton-based cultural, athletic and community organizations.

Shirley grew up on a farm in Clover Bar with visions of exploring the world beyond her immediate boundaries. At 14 years old, she moved in with her grandmother and aunt in Edmonton to attend school. She pursued her dream of a higher education and earned a BSc in Household Economics at the University of Alberta in 1952. She had the pleasure of interning at the Toronto General Hospital for a year before returning to Edmonton to work as a dietician at the Misericordia Hospital.

Shirley met the love of her life, Gordon Gifford, at the McDougall United Young People's Group. They married in 1955 and raised their four children instilling in them their shared values of dedication to family, friends and community. In pursuit of their mutual love of learning and growing, they travelled the world to experience diverse cultures and customs. Shirley also took an active interest in her children's activities as a Brown Owl, board member of the Edmonton Aquadette Synchronized Swim Club, the Columbian Girls Choir and Leo Green Singers. She served on the board of the YWCA for many years and was awarded a lifetime membership for her service. She was a very active member of St Paul's United Church serving on multiple committees over the years and was a board member of the St Paul's Foundation. Shirley was a long time member of CFUW. Her love of theatre, music and sports drew her to support the Citadel Theatre, Opera Nuovo, the Edmonton symphony, the Edmonton Eskimos/Elks, Edmonton Oilers and many more cultural and sports organizations.

Shirley is survived by her 4 children and spouses: Sandra (Paul), Donna (Jean-Michel), Bradley (Margaret) and Linda (Bernhard). Shirley was extremely proud of her seven grandchildren: Stephanie (Richard), Patricia (Walter), Katherine (Ben), David (Cassie), Zachary, Natalie and Madeline and four great grandchildren: Desmond, Ily, Elowyn and Ella. She also leaves behind her sister-in-law Simone and her family, and cousin Carolyn. She was predeceased by her beloved husband Gordon, her sister Joan (Hope), her parents Stewart and Irene (Van Camp) Smith, her son-in-law Donald and brother-in-law Murray.

She was an inspiration to all who knew her and will be sorely missed.

The family would like to thank her primary caregivers for all their wonderful support: Geanne, Eunice and Editha and the wonderful staff at the Canterbury Haven.

A celebration of life with be held at St Paul's United Church, 11526-76 Avenue in Edmonton AB T6G 0K7 on Saturday, May 31 at 1:00 pm.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Shirley and Gordon Gifford Fund at the Edmonton Community Foundation: https://www.ecfoundation.org/funds/shirley-gordon-gifford-family-fund/.https://www.ecfoundation.org/funds/shirley-gordon-gifford-family-fund/.