Obituary for Janet Elaine Gifford
Janet Elaine Gifford passed away peacefully surrounded by her son, daughter and sister, Wednesday August 12, 2020. With certainty of Jesus and her Heavenly destination she fearlessly faced death with uncommon courage, faith and humor. “It’s time to get on, with the getting on.”
Janet was born November 17, 1948 in the Bloomington Hospital. She was the daughter of William Gifford Jr. and Juanita (Graebe) Gifford who preceded her in death.
She had many lifelong friends from her time at Arlington Elementary, Dyer Jr. High and Bloomington High School where she graduated in 1968. She attended Indiana University. Her professional life was spent in accounting and managerial positions in Bloomington, Cleveland and Boston.
After relocating to Boston for several years to be closer to her grandchildren, she happily returned to Bloomington for retirement. She became a passionate coin collector and enjoyed the History and National Geographic channels passing along what she had learned to her grandchildren and great nieces and nephews. Over the years she developed well-tuned and informed political opinions. Of particular concern was the potential jeopardy of her 2nd Amendment right to own a legal firearm for protection of herself and others. Her father taught her at an early age the safe and proper use of a firearm.
Jan had a compassionate heart, a reasoned and practical mind, and a generous soul. She had an uncanny ability to adapt to life’s circumstances without complaint and always with humor. Before her death she requested her family inquire about donating her two burial plots to veterans or others in need. Jan was cremated and will be buried in a tree pod overlooking the ocean in Plymouth, Massachusetts.
Jan is survived by son, Scott Schimpf (Sinead) of Clarendon Hills, Illinois; daughter, Cassandra Miller (Gregg) of Milton, Massachusetts; her adored grandchildren, Isabella Miller, Julian Miller and Fiona Schimpf; brother, Bill Gifford; sister, Gloria Reed; along with several nieces and nephews. Uncles, aunts and cousins, past and present, shaped and informed her life in an atmosphere of humor, love and support. Her great nieces and nephews brought her joy, laughter and teaching opportunities.
Jan sometimes attended and always appreciated Red Door Church. She requested memorial contributions be made to Red Door Church, PO Box 2146, Bloomington, IN 47402; Bloomington Police Department, Public Broadcasting Service or Wounded Warrior Project.
A celebration of Jan’s life will be on August 22, 2020 at 4:00 p.m., at The Funeral Chapel of Powell and Deckard, 3000 E. Third St., Bloomington, IN with Giff Reed officiating. Masks are required. For those unable to attend, the service will be streamed on Facebook Live at www.facebook.com/theFuneralChapel.
Memories of Jan and condolences to her family may be given at www.thefuneralchapel.net.
Janet was born November 17, 1948 in the Bloomington Hospital. She was the daughter of William Gifford Jr. and Juanita (Graebe) Gifford who preceded her in death.
She had many lifelong friends from her time at Arlington Elementary, Dyer Jr. High and Bloomington High School where she graduated in 1968. She attended Indiana University. Her professional life was spent in accounting and managerial positions in Bloomington, Cleveland and Boston.
After relocating to Boston for several years to be closer to her grandchildren, she happily returned to Bloomington for retirement. She became a passionate coin collector and enjoyed the History and National Geographic channels passing along what she had learned to her grandchildren and great nieces and nephews. Over the years she developed well-tuned and informed political opinions. Of particular concern was the potential jeopardy of her 2nd Amendment right to own a legal firearm for protection of herself and others. Her father taught her at an early age the safe and proper use of a firearm.
Jan had a compassionate heart, a reasoned and practical mind, and a generous soul. She had an uncanny ability to adapt to life’s circumstances without complaint and always with humor. Before her death she requested her family inquire about donating her two burial plots to veterans or others in need. Jan was cremated and will be buried in a tree pod overlooking the ocean in Plymouth, Massachusetts.
Jan is survived by son, Scott Schimpf (Sinead) of Clarendon Hills, Illinois; daughter, Cassandra Miller (Gregg) of Milton, Massachusetts; her adored grandchildren, Isabella Miller, Julian Miller and Fiona Schimpf; brother, Bill Gifford; sister, Gloria Reed; along with several nieces and nephews. Uncles, aunts and cousins, past and present, shaped and informed her life in an atmosphere of humor, love and support. Her great nieces and nephews brought her joy, laughter and teaching opportunities.
Jan sometimes attended and always appreciated Red Door Church. She requested memorial contributions be made to Red Door Church, PO Box 2146, Bloomington, IN 47402; Bloomington Police Department, Public Broadcasting Service or Wounded Warrior Project.
A celebration of Jan’s life will be on August 22, 2020 at 4:00 p.m., at The Funeral Chapel of Powell and Deckard, 3000 E. Third St., Bloomington, IN with Giff Reed officiating. Masks are required. For those unable to attend, the service will be streamed on Facebook Live at www.facebook.com/theFuneralChapel.
Memories of Jan and condolences to her family may be given at www.thefuneralchapel.net.