Virginia G. (Bates) Gifford

Virginia G. Gifford Athol – Virginia G. (Bates) Gifford, 82, formerly of Euclid Street, died Wednesday, February 15, 2012 at the Coleman House in Northborough.      Virginia (Ginna) was born September 24, 1929 in Petersham, the daughter of Ernest R. and Dorothy E. (Towne) Bates.  She lived in Petersham for many years, graduating from the former Petersham High School.  She also attended Burdett College in Boston and has lived in Athol most of her life.      She worked for the L.S. Starrett Company for over 25 years until her retirement.  Ginna was a devoted grandmother who dearly loved her grandchildren, Elise and Jonny.      Her husband of 38 years, Stanley B. Gifford died in 1998.  She leaves her son, Scott Gifford and his wife Jeanne (Paulin) of Boylston and two grandchildren, Elise Gifford of Northampton and Jonny Gifford of DeKalb, IL. She also leaves three nieces, Jacque Jordan of Williamsburg, VA, Mary Brake of Charlottesville, VA and Karen Barrett of Ellicott City, MD.        Calling hours will be held Saturday, February 18, 2012 from 2:00 – 4:00 p.m.at Higgins-O’Connor Funeral Home, 146 Main Street, Athol with a prayer service during the calling hours.   A private burial will be held at East Street Cemetery in Petersham at the convenience of the family.  In lieu of flowers those wishing to make a contribution in Virginia’s name be made to a Veterans’ organization of the donor’s choice.  For further information or to share a memory with the family go to:  www.higginsoconnorfuneralhome.com. $(document).ready(function(){ });