Deborah 'Debbie' L. Gifford

Deborah L (Debbie) Gifford, 60, of Meadville died peacefully on Tuesday, December 24, 2013, surrounded by her family.

She was born in Somerset, PA, graduated from Rockwood High School in 1971 and Indiana University of Pennsylvania in 1975 with a BS in Home Economics Education and Preschool Education. Since 1975, she worked for PENNCREST School District as program manager and teacher for Homemaker Aide - Chore Service Program, Community Outreach Program and as a Home Economics teacher at Seagertown High School. In 1988 she created the Thurston House Pregnant and Parenting Teen program which continues through the ELECT grant, serving six counties in NW PA. She was an active supporter and volunteer for Special Olympics. In 1984 her family was honored as PA Special Olympics Family of the Year and Debbie was honored as Crawford Country Volunteer of the Year in 2012. She developed and coordinated the Special Olympics Adult Retreat from 1982-86 and coordinated the OASIS Club through the ARC of Crawford County from 1976-85, She received the RayBacher Service Award in 1985. In 2003 she received the Distinguished Service in Education Award from Phi Delta Kappa Edinboro Chapter. In 2004 Debbie received the Elizabeth Crumrine Woman of the Year Award at the annual YWCA Tribute to Women. With her family she created and coordinated the Creating Landscapes PreKindergarten Program beginning in 1996. She has been a board member of many community agencies and programs.

She is survived by her husband of 34 years, Peter Gifford and her four loving children, Jennifer L. Gifford, Joseph R. Gifford, his wife Rachel and son Malachi of Mechanicsburg, PA, Jill M.Gifford and Pierre-Andre Clement of Paris, France and Janace J.Gifford. She is also survived by her mother, Elaine Brugh of Rockwood, PA, her three sisters, Denise Miller (Lynn), Diane Wagner (Doug), Dorene Engleka (Art) and nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her father, Lynn Brugh.

There will be a memorial service at 1:00 PM on Saturday, January 4, 2014 at Ford Chapel on the campus of Allegheny College, at a time which will be announced in the future.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Creating Landscapes PreKindergarten Scholarship Fund, 520 North Main Street, Box 25, Meadville, Pennsylvania 16335.

Arrangements are under the direction of Stephen P. Mizner Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc., 404 Chestnut St., Meadville.

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