Barbara "Bobbie" Gifford

Barbara R. “Bobbie” Gifford, 93, peacefully passed away on October 27, 2023, at Hathorne Hill in Danvers, following a period of declining health. Born in Newburyport on November 11, 1929, she was the daughter of the late Arthur N. and Marcella D. (Houlihan) Young. Bobbie was raised and educated in Newburyport and graduated from Newburyport High School in 1947. Immediately following graduation, she began working as a switchboard operator at the New England Telephone Company until she started a family. In 1961, Bobbie made Danvers her home and swiftly became a pillar in the community. Her commitment to Danvers was evident as she actively served for many years as a member of the Garden Club, the Danvers Historical Society, and the Danvers Family Festival Committee. In 2008, her unwavering dedication to her community was rightfully recognized when she was presented with the prestigious Baron Mayer Award for her exemplary volunteer contributions to the community of Danvers. A woman of many talents, Bobbie was not only a trailblazer for Tupperware while raising her five children, she was also an amazing saleswoman who ventured into the world of Vanda Cosmetics, and even established her distributorship in Danvers Square. Bobbie later returned to and retired from NYNEX, where she had a successful career as a Sales Representative in the Yellow Page Sales division. The commitment to the relationships she forged there persisted even into her retirement, as she became a board member of the Directory Alumni Council (DAC) for the New England Chapter of Yellow Page Retirees. She enjoyed writing for their newsletters, assisting in planning social functions, and working with the Alumni in raising money each year for the Foundation for Neurologic Diseases. Bobbie leaves behind a loving family that includes her children, Susan Nute of Dover, NH, Deborah Gilmore of Bartlett, NH, Karen Martin of Danvers, Broderick Gifford of Ipswich, and Paul Gifford of Lynnfield. Bobbie's legacy also thrives in her grandchildren, Jennifer Flewelling, Heather Fojt, Brooke Gilmore, Rick Gilmore, and Jamie Gilmore, along with her ten great-grandchildren. She is fondly remembered by numerous nieces, nephews, and friends. She was predeceased by her stepdaughter, Carole Anderson, sons-in-law, David W. Martin and Charles Anderson, and her two siblings, A. Norman Young and Virginia Duncan. Bobbie's unwavering spirit and dedication will forever resonate in the hearts of all who knew her. The community of Danvers has lost a gem, but her legacy will remain eternal. Bobbie’s family would like to thank the dedicated staff at Hathorne Hill for the wonderful care she received over the last four years. She made many friends at Hathorne Hill and considered the residents, as well as the staff, her extended family. Visiting hours are Saturday, November 4, 2023 from 1-4PM in C.R. Lyons & Sons Funeral Directors, 28 Elm St., Danvers Square. Relatives and friends are invited. All other services are private. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Foundation for Neurologic Diseases, Attn: Karen Hodge, 10 State St., Newburyport, MA 01950, online at www.fndboston.org, or by calling 978-465-0008. To share an expression of sympathy with Bobbie’s family, please visit www.LyonsFuneral.com.