Obituaries & Condolences

Pat Gifford, AKA: Patricia Burke, Welch: 78 years old of New Berlin, N.Y. passed away on July 1, 2016 at Strong Memorial Hospital, Rochester, NY.


Patricia was born on May 25, 1938 in Deposit, NY the daughter of Christopher and Ruth Burke. Her childhood was spent in New Berlin, NY. She was a 1956 graduate of New Berlin Central School and a
1959 graduate of RIT in Rochester, NY, where she held the honor of being the first female to receive a printing degree.


Pat was employed at Sears in Oneonta, NY for 10 years and at AO Fox Memorial Hospital, Oneonta for 5years. She was the owner and operator of “A Sunshine Home” which catered to Alzheimer’s patients formore than 15 years. Pat became a Christian as a young adult and faithfully attended a church wherever she lived throughout her life helping in many ways and holding many roles within the church. She was currently a member of the First United Methodist Church in New Berlin. Through the years she has been a member of the DAR, the executive director of the Unadilla Valley Railroad Society, chairman of the New Berlin Town Planning Committee, a board member of the New Berlin Art Forum, a Girl Scout Leader, a member of the Nifty Club
and was very active in the 60+ Club.

She shared her writing talent with many of these organizations. She
was also noted for her generosity and hospitality. Pat turned her personal challenges with her health into an opportunity to help others by establishing the Ostomy Association of Oneonta, NY. This became the Central NY Ostomy Network that reached out to individuals all across NYS and beyond who were fraught with similar challenges.

Pat is survived by her children: Kristina “Kitty” Behnke of Sidney and adopted children; John Welch of Mount Vision, NY; Hezekiah Welch of New Berlin, NY; Michael Welch of Reno, NV; and Kevin Welch of Florida; as well as her sister: Susan Jane Webb of Towanda, PA.; grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, nephews and cousins. She was predeceased by her parents and her brother; Christopher Burke, Jr.


A funeral service will be held on Friday, July 8, 2016 at the First United Methodist Church in New Berlin NY with Pastor Lyle Linder officiating. Calling hours will be held at the church starting at 9am, a service
celebrating her life will be at 11 am. The interment will be in the Riverside Cemetery, South New Berlin,NY. Following this will be a “PotLuck” at the Methodist Church Fellowship Hall. Donations can be made in her name to the Unadilla Valley Railroad Society, New Berlin, NY 13411

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LAURIE HOTALING
NORWICH NY

WILL ALWAYS MISS HER, SHE IS MY WHOLE WORD, I PRAY FOR, HER KITTY, AND HER SON SKY,
AND ALL HER L0VE ONES. MY GOD ALL WAS LOVE

JOYCE C WESTERVELT
Norwich, NY

The Trustees at White Store Church & Evergreen Cemetery send our condolences
on the passing of Pat who faithfully attended our 3 events each summer. She will be missed.

Evelyn Flannery
Hamden, NY

I met Pat when I lived in New Berlin while attending SUNY IT in Utica. She was a great encourager and friend. Pat will be greatly missed.

Frances Gracyalny
Elmhurst, NY. Y.

She will be missed by everyone. May she rest in peace.

Paul and Edna Straney and family
Oneonta New York

Pat lived her Faith passionately and had a truly charitable heart. A profound appreciation life and all Gods gifts were expressed with her many talents. An example for us all. Sympathy and love to Hezekiah and family at this difficult time.

Richard E. Bennett III
Schenectady, NY

Dear Family, I recently learned from my sister, Wanda Walters, that Pat had passed away, which left me feeling very sad. As you know, Pat and our mother, Lodia Bennett, were indeed, great and long-time friends. When Mother was ill and in need of comforting support, Pat was there, unconditionally. In fact, she was with Mother at the time of her sudden and unexpected passing 3 years ago this month. While both time and distance have unfortunately kept Pat and me apart, our long-standing bond of loving friendship allowed us to remain connected and it always will. God Bless,

Bonnie Jean Bauer
New Berlin, NY

Pat reached out to me and our family when we arrived in New Berlin thirteen years ago. Life has never been the same since. A true, faithful and caring friend will be sorely missed. Among all the wonderful things mentioned she was also a great gardener, cook, baker, presserver, a friend to many and a top notch artist in her own right. Can't imagine a world without her.

Suzanne Hirsch
Bainbridge, NY

Love and condolences to Kitty, Hezikiah and all of Pat's family...
Pat will be remembered qnd missed by many people,as she has touched so many of our lives.

John Weber
Rome, NY

My condolences to Pat's family. I and other members of the Utica & Mohawk Valley Chapter will deeply miss Pat's unfailing attendance at our upcoming Chapter picnic at Utica Union Station this year and in future years. Her positive and cheerful personality did much to brighten the event for us.

Inky Nielsen
New Berlin, N.Y.

I was very sorry to hear of Pat's passing. I have many fond memories of Pat from Art Forum meetings and many ladies luncheons.
Despite her many physical problems, I don't remember her ever complaining. Rest in peace Pat.

Carl & Mary Gilmore
Elbridge, NY

We are very sorry to hear about Pat and want to add our condolences to her family. We met Pat's parents many years ago when we lived in New Berlin. And became more recently acquainted with her when we joined the Unadilla Valley Railroad Society. She was so cordial to us on a couple occasions.

 

 
Dakin Funeral Home :: 17 North Main Street, New Berlin, New York 13411 :: (607) 847-6231 :: email

 

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