ORONO – Maynard Earl Gifford, 78, husband of Ellen (Pelletier) Gifford, died peacefully June 17, 2006, at his home after a brief illness. He was born June 30, 1927, in Old Town, a son of Frederick “Chebabe” and Clara (Pelletier) Gifford. Maynard graduated from Old Town schools. He spent many years in the shoe manufacturing industry in Maine and will be remembered by many co-workers at various shoe plants. A favorite hobby of his was repairing sewing machines for numerous friends and customers, who will remember his attention to detail. Another hobby, which he thoroughly enjoyed, was camping with his wife, Ellen, at various campgrounds in Maine. All the statewide friends he made during these camping excursions will sadly miss Maynard. He will be fondly remembered for his crossing guard duties in Orono for nearly 14 years, being held responsible for the safety of many schoolchildren. The Orono residents will surely remember his dedication to these children and their families. Maynard, also known as “PetPet,” always beamed each and every time his own children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren appeared at 3 Sylvan Rd.; all who will sadly miss him. In addition to his bride of nearly 60 years, he is survived by his son, John “Jack” Gifford and his wife, Lu, of Bangor; two daughters, Mary (Gifford) Brooks and her husband, Brian, of Orono and Sally (Gifford) Flanagan of Portland; four granddaughters, Michelle (Gifford) Frederick and her husband, Dana, of Gulf Breeze, Fla., Melanie Brooks of Jersey City, N.J., Stephanie (Gifford) Spencer and her husband, USMC Cpl. James, currently serving in Iraq, of Bangor, and Jennifer Brooks Sonnenberg and her husband, John, of Orono; one grandson, Michael Gifford and his fianc?e, Jessica, of Las Vegas, Nev.; three great-grandsons, twins, Joseph and D.J. Fortin of Gulf Breeze, Fla. and Gage Spencer of Bangor; one infant great-granddaughter, Alexyss Spencer of Bangor; one brother, Raymond Gifford of Gorham, N.H.; cousins, nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents and three sisters, Alice Jones, Theresa Collamore and Lorraine Ward. Visiting hours for family and friends will be held 6-9 p.m. Tuesday, June 20, at Birmingham Funeral Home, 438 Main St., Old Town. A memorial Mass will be celebrated 10 a.m. Wednesday at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Orono with the Revs. Wilfred P. Labbe and Myles Cyr concelebrant. Interment will be immediately after the service at Riverside Cemetery, Orono. After the service at the cemetery, all are invited to St. Mary’s Parish for a light luncheon and continued fellowship. Because of his love for the children of Orono, donations in Maynard’s memory may be made to the Orono Public Library Foundation, P.O. Box 308, Orono, ME 04473.
MAYNARD E. GIFFORD
