Mary Louise Gifford

Mary Lehman Gifford, "Grammy Bear", passed away peacefully in Akron, Ohio, on August 7, 2017. Mary was born on January 6, 1945 in Akron, to the late James A. and Ruth Ryan Lehman. Her brother and his wife, John and Dorothy Lehman are also deceased.

Mary is survived by her husband of 26 years, Thomas P. Gifford, Sr.; her son, James C. (Rissa) Zimmer of Dublin, Ohio; her step-sons, Thomas P. Gifford, Jr. of St. Paul, MN, Scott A. (Colleen) Gifford of Marshallville, Ohio, and Brian J. (Megan) Gifford of Powell, Ohio. She was best known as "Grammy Bear" to her surviving grandchildren, Bryce and Elianna Zimmer, Dylan, Ava, and Tyler Gifford. Mary's niece and nephew also survives, Barbara and John Lehman, Jr.; and a host of Ryan family cousins; her best friends, Sandi Moore, Gayle Alfson, Diane Mollica, Neilah Cottam, Nancy DeRose, and Jerry Howley also survive.

She was a proud member of the "East High Hotties" and was a 1963 graduate of Akron East High School "Orientals".

Mary retired from Sandridge Food Corp. of Medina after 26 years of service as a Human Resource Manager. She was also named volunteer of the year by United Way of Medina by Speaker of the House of Ohio William G. Batchhelder. In 2004, Mary was President of Society For Human Resource Management (SHRM) of Medina County. She was also involved with Leadership of Medina.

The family wants to thank the staff on the 3rd floor of the ICU of Summa (City) Hospital for the wonderful care and patience of our beloved Mary through this difficult time. God bless you all!

She was one of a kind, when she was born they broke the mold and threw it away, she will always be missed dearly by her family and many friends.

Goodnight "Grammy Bear" we love you and will miss you dearly.

Per Mary's wishes there will be no calling hours, she will be interred with her husband, Thomas, when he passes, at Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery, Rittman, Ohio.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Newcomer Funeral Home-Akron.