Isabel C. (Deken) Gifford

Gifford, Isabel C. (Deken), age 88, of Hope, RI, passed away on September 13, 2021. She was the beloved wife of Ernest F. Gifford for 67 years and devoted mother of five children. She and her husband married in 1954, at Glennonville, MO.

Isabel is survived by her husband, and five children: Kathleen L. Langlais (Dale), of Mercer, ME; Michael E. Gifford (Paula), of Chester, CT; Brian D. Gifford (Lynn) of Springfield, VA; Cynthia A. Chatell, of Scituate, RI; and Lynn G. Fuerst (Stephan), of Warwick, RI.  In addition, she leaves six grand-children: Joshua J. Chatell; Kimberly A. Burton; Kelly E. Gifford; Daniel H. Langlais; Steven D. Gifford; and Natalie I. Fuerst. As well as five great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

Born and raised in Qulin, MO, the daughter of the late Joseph M. and Anna M.(Peters) Deken. She was preceded in death by her parents, and brothers Louis; William; Fred; Hugo; and John Deken and sisters Annabel (Deken) Connors; and Mabel (Deken) Elam.

Upon completing business school, Isabel worked as a secretary for the N.O. Nelson Co., in St. Louis, and the law firm of Martin & Gibson, in Sedalia, MO. When her children were young, Isabel became a Den Mother for the Hope Cub Scouts for a time. After raising her family, she worked at the Hope Nursery School for several years and was later employed by Arkwright, Inc. for over 20 years, before retiring in 1991.

Isabel was a very skilled seamstress and loved to embroider, producing beautiful work. She enjoyed her plants and gardens. She enjoyed going on trips to see the well- known gardens of the northeast. Of all the things she enjoyed, she loved nothing more than having time with her family. Whether it be a quick stop in by one of the kids or a big family get-together, she always wanted to see the family. And nothing put her more in her happy place than cradling and rocking one of the new-born grandchildren and great-grandchildren. There are so many photos of her just beaming while holding the newest addition to the family.

Her soft smile, her mother’s intuition and wisdom, her caring for all the family will be greatly missed beyond what words can describe. She was a communicant of SS. Peter & Paul Church in West Warwick, RI.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial on Monday, September 20, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. in SS. Peter & Paul Church, 48 Highland St., West Warwick.  Interment will be private.  Visiting hours are respectfully omitted.  In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Isabel’s memory to, St. Teresa School. 40648 St. Highway JJ, Campbell, MO  63933.  Information and condolences, please visit: www.henault-gallogly.com

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