Obituary of Connie Gifford

April 2, 1955 – Kinistino, Saskatchewan

January 9, 2024 - Calgary, Alberta

Constance “Connie” Jean Gifford (nee Richert), beloved wife of Ronald Gifford of Calgary, AB, passed away on Tuesday, January 9, 2024, at the age of 68 years.

Connie was born on April 2, 1955, in Kinistino, SK, to parents Ruben and Marion Richert.

Connie was a loving mother, wife, sister, friend, and colleague. Throughout her 42-year teaching career, she was a dedicated educator touching the lives of many young children. Connie’s passion for teaching and students was evident in everything she did.  Connie could be heard repeatedly saying “I can teach any child to read” while still appreciating each child’s uniqueness. She worked with so many other educators throughout the years, always mentoring and offering words of encouragement when needed.

Connie’s bright smile and laughter along with her sense of style (not to mention a bit of glitz and glamour), lit up the lives of those around her.

She is survived by her husband Ron, their children, Ashley, Dustin and Brett, her fur baby Frankie, along with her siblings Dan Richert, Colleen Stevenson, Lisa Bartko and many uncles, aunts, nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Gone but not forgotten, we have been blessed to have had her in our lives. We will miss her dearly and cherish all the memories that we have of her.

A Celebration of Connie’s Life will be held at McInnis & Holloway (Deerfoot South, 12281 – 40th Street SE, Calgary, AB) on Tuesday, January 16, 2024, at 2:00 p.m.

An additional Celebration of Connie’s Life will be held for family and friends in Saskatchewan in the summer of 2024 and will be announced at a later date. Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed with Connie’s family here.

In living memory of Constance Jean Gifford, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Deerfoot South, 12281 – 40th Street SE, Calgary, AB T2Z 4E6, Telephone: 403-203-0525.