Gifford Funeral Home Obituaries

About Gifford Funeral Home

Gifford Funeral Home, located at 22 Depot St, PO Box 1152, Richmond, VT, 05477, is a trusted and compassionate funeral home serving the community of Richmond and surrounding areas. With a long history of providing exceptional funeral services, Gifford Funeral Home has established itself as a beacon of comfort and support during difficult times.

A Legacy of Compassion and Care

At Gifford Funeral Home, the staff is dedicated to providing personalized and meaningful funeral services that honor the lives of loved ones who have passed. The funeral home's legacy is built on a foundation of compassion, empathy, and attention to detail, ensuring that every family receives the care and support they need during their time of grief.

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Recent Funeral Home Obituaries

April Renee Scafe - Unknown - June 24, 2022

Departed: 06/24/2022 (Richmond)

Obituary Preview: April Renee Scafe Bristol, VT

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of April Renee Scafe, 43, at the UVM Medical Center in Burlington on June 24, 2022.

She was born December 7, 1978, in Hinesburg, VT, to Mark and Margaret (Tucker) Cutsinger. April graduated in 2012 from Mt. Abraham Union High School in Bristol, VT. She married Kemar Scafe in Lincoln, VT, on August 23, 2015.

April loved spending time with her family. She enjoyed family gatherings, vacationing at Old Orchard Beach, swimming, cooking, jigsaw puzzles, and interior design. She had a heart of gold and was always willing to help anyone in need.

Left to cherish April’s memory are her husband, Kemar; her daughters Kayleigh, Ceairra, and Maliya; her mother Margaret; her step-father Phil; her brother Jeremiah; her sister Jessica, and her father Mark. April was predeceased by her maternal grandparents Torry and Mae Tucker.

Visiting hours will be held Friday, July 1, 2022, at Gifford Funeral Home, 22 Depot Street, Richmond, with a service at 2:00 pm at the same location.

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Jean E. Smith - September 09, 1931 - June 21, 2022

Departed: 06/21/2022 (Richmond)

Obituary Preview: Jean E. Smith, 90, passed away peacefully at her home in Richmond, VT on June 21, 2022.

Jean was born in Rochester, VT on September 9, 1931 to Paul and Florence (Cody) Curtis.  She married Richard Smith on March 1, 1951.

Jean was predeceased by Richard in 2005.  She is survived by her children, Gregory Smith of Richmond, Susan Levesque (Steve) of Maryville, TN and Sheryl Badgio (Steve) of Fort Mill, SC. Also surviving are her grandchildren Jaime, Nikki and Alyssa, great-grandchildren Gabriel and Moriah, and one sister Linda Sprano of Maryville, TN. A graveside service will be held at the Riverview Cemetery in Richmond, VT on Tuesday, June 28, 2022 at 11:00am.

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Douglas W. Lantman - February 10, 1928 - June 08, 2022

Departed: 06/08/2022 (Richmond)

Obituary Preview: Douglas W. Lantman Essex/Hinesburg, VT

Douglas W. Lantman ,94, of Essex, formerly Hinesburg VT, passed away suddenly on June 8, 2022, after a brief period of declining health.

Doug was born on February 10, 1928, in Burlington, VT the second son of three born to Lyn and Elizabeth (Laforce) Lantman.

Doug was raised in Hinesburg, VT graduating from Hinesburg High School in 1946. He worked for his father and Uncle Harry at the family grocery store Lantmans which he ran/owned until his retirement in 1988.

Doug married Betty June Riggs on September 4,1949. They were married 71 years having just celebrated their anniversary before Betty's passing on September 14, 2020.

Doug loved every minute of his 90 years as a resident of Hinesburg. Whether living in the village or up at his home on Lake Iroquois he was proud to be from there. He would do anything and everything he could for his hometown and its people. He gave countless people their first jobs and was always available to offer advice or lend a helping hand.

Doug was an avid deer hunter owning multiple camps over the years ending with the Albee Brook Lodge in Granville, VT which he laughingly credited as the secret to his long marriage.  Many memories were made by all at camp.

Doug spent his retirement maintaining his home at Lake Iroquois.He was a jack of all trades always in his shop ready to loan a tool or help fix anything. He had every tool you could imagine and knew exactly where it was in his shop.

Doug and Betty moved to Mansfield Place in Essex in 2018. He enjoyed all the new "girlfriends" he had there to take care of him. He entertained his family with his stories of all the residents at Mansfield especially his table mates Bob, Bob and Larry.

Doug leaves behind his daughters Beth Sasala and Kay Loudon (Gayle Leroi); and his grandchildren Douglas Sasala, Megan Sasala, Thomas Loudon and David Loudon (Bronwen).

Doug was predeceased by his wife Betty; his parents Lyn and Elizabeth,  brothers John (Claire) and Richard (Joyce) and son in law Stephen Sasala.

At his request, a private burial will be held at the convenience of the family.

A celebration of life for Doug and Betty will be held July 17, 2022, from 1-4 pm at Isham Family Farm in Williston,VT.

The family would like to thank Pat Palmer, Brian Busier and Don Loudon for their many calls and visits to Doug at Mansfield Place. We would also like to acknowledge his nurse Sandra and caregiver Tenzin for their support to Doug and his family.

Contributions may be given to the United Church of Hinesburg, PO Box 39, Hinesburg,VT 05461 or the Hinesburg Fire Department, PO Box 12, Hinesburg,VT 05461.

Arrangements are in care of Gifford Funeral Home, 22 Depot Street, Richmond, VT.

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Carlene Dove Taft Weaver - December 12, 1932 - May 26, 2022

Departed: 05/26/2022 (Richmond)

Obituary Preview: Huntington, VT - December 12, 1932 – May 26, 2022

After a courageous and lengthy battle with Alzheimer's Disease, Carlene Dove Taft Weaver, went to be with her Lord and gained peace on Thursday, May 26, 2022, at her second home in Woodstock, Georgia.

Carlene was born on December 12, 1932 in Yukon, Oklahoma, and was the oldest of six children born to Carlyle M. Taft, Sr. and Audra Mashburn Taft. With that came much responsibility in helping to take care of her younger siblings, and the nurturing nature was instilled in her and carried throughout her life. Her own three children gladly reaped the benefits of this characteristic.

As a young child, Carlene moved with her parents from Oklahoma to Huntington, Vermont, where they started a dairy farm that continues on to this day and is currently being run by her youngest brother Bruce Taft and nephew Tim Taft as Taft's Milk & Maple Farm. Hard work was abundant on the farm with Carlene helping in the garden, raking hay in the summer, and canning vegetables in the fall. Back then, raking was done with horses, and stories were told of some rough hillside rides and painful sunburns.

Carlene attended and graduated from The Lyndon Institute School in Lyndon, Vermont, attended Castleton College and ultimately graduated from the University of Vermont in 1952 with a degree in teaching. By this time, she had married her childhood sweetheart, Donald LeRoy Weaver, in Huntington, Vermont, on June 21, 1952. He had a bicycle that caught her eye, and he was more than willing to let her ride it so he could get to spend more time with her. Carlene taught at the two-room CE Ross Schoolhouse in Huntington Lower Village and also taught at Brewster Pierce Memorial School in Huntington Center. Teaching brought great joy to her, and she often spoke about various students many years after her teaching career ended.

She also kept books for the Town of Huntington for many years and finished up her professional work career at IBM in the late 1980s. Caring for her family, music, gardening, making her own strawberry jam and pickles, and traveling to Montana to visit her brother on his ranch and her sister were all activities she enjoyed. The adventure of travel on long road trips to Montana was something Carlene loved and was always more than eager to do. Carlene was extremely proud of the fact that she learned how to drive a grain truck one summer and was able to take grain from the combine "on the fly" without having to stop to offload and waste precious harvest time. She was always cautious not to have any wheat hit the cab of the truck and only land where it was supposed to; in the truck bed!

Carlene was Choir Director at the Community Church of Huntington, Vermont, for many, many years raising money for choir robes, sheet music holders, and their first electronic organ. The choir was her pride and joy, and she so loved the music they put together especially for Easter and Christmas services. She was very proud of the work that all of the members put in rehearsing and the fellowship they all enjoyed. There were many packed Christmas services with too many people in attendance to count. Her joy in playing both the organ and piano was quite evident, and she played them beautifully.

Carlene is survived by her three loving children, Gary L. Weaver and wife Louann of Woodstock, Georgia; Alan L. Weaver of Huntington, Vermont; and Lynda W. Eldred and husband John of Goffstown, New Hampshire. She had four grandchildren who she adored, Adam and Amanda Weaver and Nathan and Jacob Eldred. Her husband Donald predeceased her on January 2, 1994.

She is also survived by four siblings, Carl Taft, Jr. and wife Anna of Cascade, Montana; Carol Place and husband Giles of Cascade, Montana; Willard Taft of Island Pond, Vermont; and Bruce Taft and wife Mary of Huntington, Vermont. Her sister Barbara Gokey and sister-in-law Jean Taft both predeceased her, as did her mother-in-law Florence Brown Weaver and father-in-law Lelon A. Weaver, Sr. Brother-in-law and sister-in-law Bud and Jean Weaver also predeceased her.

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Harold Paul St. Amour - Unknown - May 06, 2022

Departed: 05/06/2022 (Richmond)

Obituary Preview: Harold Paul St. Amour So. Burlington, VT

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Harold Paul St. Amour, 81, on May 6, 2022.  Harold served in the US Army for 21 years that included 3 tours in Vietnam as a combat medic.  There were no visiting hours.  A private burial, with full military honors, was held at Fort Ethan Allen Cemetery in Colchester, VT.

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Michael G. Hart - Unknown - May 03, 2022

Departed: 05/03/2022 (Richmond)

Obituary Preview: Michael G. Hart Hinesburg, VT

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Michael G. Hart on Tuesday, May 3, 2022 at the McClure-Miller Respite House in Colchester, VT.  Mike passed as he lived with a smile on his face, a kind loving heart, and an endless joy for life.

Services will be private and at the convenience of the family.

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Pamela J. Boutin-Adams - May 07, 1953 - April 30, 2022

Departed: 04/30/2022 (Richmond)

Obituary Preview: Pamela J. Boutin-Adams Williston, VT

Pamela Jean (Greenwood) Boutin-Adams, our beloved Wife, Mother and Nana went to be with the angels on April 30, 2022.

Pamela was born May 7, 1953 in Colchester. She was raised by her Grandparents, Henry J. and Wilma (Steeves) Greenwood in Essex.

Pamela married the love of her life Michael J. Adams and created a home in Williston. There, she created gardens of glorious flower beds she took incredible pride in. She could always be found moving about the yard with her three adored Labradors in tow, they were her furry "kids".

Pamela's true pride and joy was her granddaughter Lily. She spent so much time creating Fairy gardens, blowing bubbles, painting with Lily as well as photographing Lily any chance she could.

She worked for Hallam-Ics and was completely dedicated to her career. Pamela enjoyed her coworkers and made many lasting friendships. She was very proud of her time spent there.

Left to honor Pamela's memory are her husband Michael J. Adams; her daughter Barbara A. Fortier of Colchester, VT; and her beloved granddaughter Lily S. Hernandez. She also leaves behind many extended family and friends.

Service will be private and at the convenience of the family.

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Donald Elbert Strickland - December 12, 1937 - November 27, 2021

Departed: 11/27/2021 (Richmond)

Obituary Preview: Donald Elbert Strickland, 83, of Essex Jct. passed peacefully on November 27, 2021, in South Burlington with his lovely wife Norma at his side.

He was born December 12,1937 in Dunn, North Carolina.  He joined the North Carolina  National Guard in July of 1957. In April of 1959 he enlisted in the United States Navy and was stationed aboard the USS Glacier AGB-4 participating  in operation Deep Freeze 1958 - 1960 station in Antarctica.  His rank was EN-2 . Donald left the Navy honorably in July 1967 to raise his family.

Donald became an accomplished electrician, plumber and builder, building several homes. Known for his bubbly personality and kind southern style, he made a lot of friends and will be missed by all who him. His love for family, God and nature was exceptional. He enjoyed hunting and fishing with his two sons and good friend Tom Cilley.

Donald was predeceased by parents William Stickland  and Myrtle (Roberts) and brother Dallas. He is Survived by his wife Norma (Truax) Strickland, his sons Donald Strickland, Jr., of C’oeur de Laine, ID, Will Strickland and wife Linda of Colchester, daughter Michelle Strickland of Colchester, grandchildren Ryan Strickland of South Burlington, Kyle Strickland and wife Kali of Missoula, MT, Sean Strickland of South Burlington, Katherine Strickland of Renton, WA, Blake Strickland of Milton and great-grandson Thomas Strickland of Missoula, MT.

Burial, with military honors, will take place at 10:00 AM on Thursday, May 26, 2022 at Our Lady of the Holy Rosary Catholic Cemetery, Tilden Avenue, Richmond, VT followed by a funeral service at 11:30 AM at the Essex Center United Methodist Church, 119 Center Road, Essex Junction, VT.

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Funeral Services Offered

Gifford Funeral Home offers a range of funeral services to cater to the unique needs and preferences of each family. From traditional funerals to cremation services, memorial gatherings, and celebrations of life, the funeral home's experienced staff will guide you through the planning process with sensitivity and understanding. They also provide pre-planning services, allowing individuals to make their final arrangements in advance.

Cremation Services

Gifford Funeral Home understands that cremation is an increasingly popular choice for many families. Their cremation services are designed to provide a dignified and respectful way to say goodbye to loved ones. They offer a range of cremation options, including direct cremation, cremation with a memorial service, and cremation with a traditional funeral service.

Pre-Planning Services

Pre-planning your funeral arrangements can be a thoughtful and responsible decision, allowing you to take control of your final wishes and alleviate the burden on your loved ones. Gifford Funeral Home's pre-planning services enable you to make informed decisions about your funeral arrangements in advance, ensuring that your wishes are respected and carried out.

Facilities and Amenities

The funeral home's facilities are designed to provide a comfortable and peaceful environment for families to gather and pay their respects. The spacious chapel can accommodate large crowds, while the cozy visitation rooms offer an intimate setting for smaller gatherings. Additional amenities include ample parking, wheelchair accessibility, and a selection of refreshments.

Community Involvement

Gifford Funeral Home is deeply committed to the Richmond community and surrounding areas. They participate in local events, sponsor charitable organizations, and provide educational resources on topics related to grief, bereavement, and funeral planning. By engaging with the community, the funeral home demonstrates its dedication to supporting families beyond the funeral service itself.

Why Choose Gifford Funeral Home?

Families choose Gifford Funeral Home because of its reputation for excellence, compassion, and personalized service. The funeral home's experienced staff takes the time to understand each family's unique needs and preferences, tailoring their services to ensure a meaningful and memorable tribute to their loved one. With Gifford Funeral Home, you can trust that your loved one will be treated with dignity and respect, and that you will receive the support and guidance you need during a difficult time.

Contact Information

If you would like to learn more about Gifford Funeral Home or schedule a consultation with one of their experienced staff members, please don't hesitate to contact them. You can reach them by phone at [insert phone number], email at [insert email], or visit their website at [insert website]. Their address is 22 Depot St, PO Box 1152, Richmond, VT, 05477.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an obituary?

An obituary is a written notice that announces the death of a person, typically including biographical information, details about their life, and information about the funeral or memorial service.

What is the purpose of an obituary?

The primary purpose of an obituary is to inform friends, family, and community members of a person's passing and to provide details about the funeral or memorial service. It also serves as a way to honor and celebrate the life of the deceased.

Who typically writes an obituary?

In most cases, the family of the deceased or a close friend writes the obituary. Funeral homes or crematories may also offer assistance in writing an obituary.

What information should be included in an obituary?

A typical obituary includes the person's name, age, date of birth and death, place of residence, occupation, education, hobbies, achievements, and surviving family members. It may also include information about the funeral or memorial service, such as the date, time, location, and burial details.

How long should an obituary be?

The length of an obituary can vary depending on the publication and personal preference. Typically, it ranges from a few sentences to several paragraphs.

Can I include photos in an obituary?

Yes, many publications allow you to include one or more photos with the obituary. This can be a meaningful way to personalize the notice and help readers remember the person who has passed away.

How do I submit an obituary to a newspaper or online platform?

Check with the specific publication or platform for their submission guidelines. Some may accept submissions online, while others may require email or phone submissions. Be sure to follow their formatting and word count guidelines.

Is there a cost associated with publishing an obituary?

Yes, there may be a fee associated with publishing an obituary in a newspaper or online platform. The cost varies depending on the publication and the length of the obituary.

Can I write my own obituary in advance?

Yes, some people choose to write their own obituary in advance as a way to ensure that their life is represented accurately and to take some burden off their loved ones during a difficult time.

What if I'm not comfortable writing an obituary myself?

If you're struggling to write an obituary, consider asking a friend or family member for assistance. Many funeral homes and crematories also offer guidance and support in writing an obituary.

How quickly should an obituary be published after someone passes away?

The timing of publishing an obituary varies depending on cultural and personal preferences. In general, it's common to publish an obituary within a few days of the person's passing.

Can I make changes to an obituary after it's been published?

It may be possible to make corrections or updates to an obituary after it's been published, but this depends on the publication's policies. Check with them directly to see what options are available.

What if I want to keep the funeral private?

If you prefer to keep the funeral private, you can still publish an obituary without including details about the service. Instead, you might include information about a memorial service or celebration of life at a later date.

Can I include charitable donations in lieu of flowers in an obituary?

Yes, many families choose to include information about charitable donations in lieu of flowers in the obituary. This can be a meaningful way to honor the person who has passed away and support a cause that was important to them.

How do I handle sensitive information in an obituary?

If there are sensitive issues or complicated relationships involved, it's essential to approach the writing of the obituary with tact and sensitivity. Consider seeking guidance from a trusted friend, family member, or professional counselor.

What if I'm unsure about what to include in an obituary?

If you're unsure about what to include in an obituary, start by brainstorming memories and stories about the person who has passed away. You can also seek guidance from friends, family members, or professionals who knew them well.

Can I use humor in an obituary?

Absolutely! Humor can be a wonderful way to celebrate someone's life and personality. Just be sure to keep it respectful and tasteful.

How do I ensure accuracy in an obituary?

To ensure accuracy in an obituary, double-check facts such as dates, names, and spellings. It's also a good idea to have multiple people review the draft before submitting it for publication.

What if I need to correct mistakes in an already-published obituary?

If you discover errors in an already-published obituary, contact the publication immediately to request corrections. They may be able to issue a correction or reprint the revised obituary.

Can I republish an old obituary for a special occasion?

Yes, you can republish an old obituary for special occasions like anniversaries or birthdays. This can be a meaningful way to remember and honor your loved one on these significant dates.

How do I preserve an online obituary over time?

If you're concerned about preserving an online obituary over time, consider printing out a copy or saving it as a PDF file. You can also ask the publication about their archiving policies and how long they will keep the obituary available online.

What if I want to create a more personalized tribute beyond a traditional obituary?

Beyond traditional print or online obituaries, you can create personalized tributes through social media profiles, memorial websites, or even self-published books. Get creative and find ways that feel authentic and meaningful to you!

How can I support others who are grieving through an obituary?

An obituary can be a powerful tool for supporting others who are grieving by providing comfort, sharing memories, and offering condolences. Consider including words of encouragement or support for those who are mourning.

What if I'm feeling overwhelmed by grief while trying to write an obituary?

If you're feeling overwhelmed by grief while trying to write an obituary, don't hesitate to reach out for support from friends, family members, or professionals. Take breaks when needed, and prioritize your own emotional well-being during this difficult time.