She was predeceased by her husband of sixty two years Stephen W. Gifford III. She is survived by her three children Stephen N. and his wife Lee of Dedham, MA, Enid L. of New York, NY and Jonathan H. of Brookline, MA and two grandchildren Stephen W. Gifford of Boston and Sarah Gifford Bockenek of New York, NY. She is also survived by her brother Hart Fessenden of New York, NY and Chatham, MA. She was the granddaughter of Frederick Fessenden the founder of The Fessenden School.
She was a graduate of The Windsor School 1942, Vassar College 1945. Due to interruptions from World War 11 she continued her studies at Radcliffe College upon leaving Vassar. Her extensive family connection to Vassar was a great source of pride to her throughout her life. After graduation she pursued her interest in the visual arts by working at the Institute Of Contemporary Art during its early years, first in Cambridge and then Boston. In 1950 she married Stephen W. Gifford III.
After a brief stint in Providence RI they moved to Dedham, MA where they raised their three children. In the 1960’s she began working at the Museum of Fine Arts where she held several positions starting as a docent, eventually becoming the book buyer for the MFA Gift Shop a position she held for many years. She was devoted to the Museum of Fine Arts. Her involvement there provided friendships and professional fulfillment while simultaneously satisfying a lifelong interest in the arts.
Upon retiring she and her husband spent many enjoyable years traveling throughout Europe and the US. Equally important to her was her connection to Chatham Massachusetts. Chatham provided her with a decades long focal point for friendship, family gatherings, lively debate and outdoor activities. She was a lifetime member of the Museum of Fine Arts, a current member of The Chatham Beach and Tennis Club, and a past member of The Dedham Country and Polo Club and The Vincent Club.
The family would like to thank Omar Campbell for the aid he provided to Enid and Steve over the past ten years.
A memorial service will be held Friday, May 11th at 11am, First Church And Parish, 670 High St, Dedham, MA 02026
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