All Obituaries from Desnoyer Funeral Home

Shawn Michael Gifford

Name: Family Receiving Friends
Start: 05/08/2023 04:00 PM
End: 05/08/2023 08:00 PM
Location: Desnoyer Funeral Home

January 1, 1956 — May 3, 2023

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Gifford, Shawn Michael

Age 67, passed away peacefully to his Heavenly Father on Wednesday, May 3, 2023, surrounded by his loved ones.

Shawn leaves behind the love of his life of 45 years, Theresa (Minder) Gifford, his children- Philip Gifford, Michael (Kristin) Gifford and Shawna (Michael) Johnson and his six beautiful grandchildren, all of whom he adored.

His childhood was spent in Michigan Center with his parents Gary B. Gifford Sr. and Jean A. (Smith) Gifford, both of whom preceded him in death. A middle child of ten, Shawn is also survived by his siblings Gary Jr. (Doreen), Anne (Thomas) Holewa, Eric (Laura), Karen (Ron) Markiw, Colin, Constance (Tomi) Sawyer, Amy Collard (Jim), Ian (Sara) and Nathan (Katie).

Shawn obtained an associate's degree in computer programming and worked 24 years as a pressman at the Jackson Citizen Patriot.

As a long time member of St. Mary Star of Sea Catholic Church, Shawn was an active member of the Knights of Columbus for over 25 years. Both Shawn and his wife Theresa led baptismal classes and participated in Bible study at their parish. Additionally, Shawn was a member of Cursillo where he led discussions and prayers for parish retreats.

During retirement, Shawn spent several days each week volunteering for St. Vincent de Paul. There he organized and made deliveries, often providing for the needs of families who were under their care. Shawn was passionate about the impact of delivering food in person, both for those in need and those who volunteered. His dedication to serving the community was foremost in his heart and mind.

The Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, May 9, 2023 at 10:00 AM at St. Mary Star of the Sea Catholic Church with Father Timothy Nelson as the Celebrant. Interment will follow at St. John Catholic Cemetery.

The family will receive friends at the Desnoyer Funeral Home on Monday, May 8 from 4:00 to 8:00 PM with a Rosary Service at 7:30 PM. The family will also receive friends on Tuesday, May 9 at St. Mary Star of the Sea Catholic Church from 9:30 to 10:00 AM.

In 2011, Shawn was named Distinguished Citizen by the Jackson Citizen Patriot. It was his humble, selfless giving to the community that brought him this recognition. With Shawn's passion and desire to serve others in mind, his family has asked for donations to St. Vincent de Paul in lieu of flowers.

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