Gina Marie Gifford

Gina Marie (Kohlman) Gifford was the daughter of Kenneth and Judith (Koblitz) Burns, born January 4, 1968 in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. Gina's family settled in the Palm Beach, Florida area where she graduated from Twin Lakes High School in 1985 in the top 15 of her class. She received a nursing degree out of high school, but later found her niche in teaching. Gina loved teaching and was awarded the Charlotte County Teacher of Distinction in February 2008. She was very active in her community and devoted her time towards helping others. She taught struggling elementary students to read in the YMCA after school reading program; she shared with autistic children her feeling of being on top of the world on a horse; and worked with the Charlotte County Red Cross Youth Group supporting disaster pet relief. She was known as a truly selfless giver; she always cared more for others than she ever considered caring for herself. Gina passed away in Punta Gorda, Florida on January 3, 2009 at the age of 40. She will be greatly missed by her husband of 2 years, Bruce Gifford, Jr; daughter, Kathy Kohlman; step-daughter, Samantha Gifford; Kathy's father, David Kohlman; and a multitude of extended family, friends, and students whose lives she touched. The family requests memorial donations be made in her name to The American Red Cross Charlotte County Chapter, Disaster Pet Relief Fund, 866 Tamiami Trail, Suite 8, Port Charlotte, FL 33953. To express condolences to the family, please sign the online guest book.