Hilda GIFFORD

GIFFORD, Hilda
Died peacefully at home Nov 11, 2002. She was predeceased by her brother C.G. (Giff) Gifford of Halifax and will be greatly missed by many friends in Ottawa, Victoria B.C. and elsewhere; and by nieces Jocelyn Gifford of Galiano B.C., Heather Gifford of Altamont MN. Terri Henderson of Perth, ON; nephew Brian Gifford of Ottawa and great-nieces Jessica, Deverie and Hannah Gifford and great nephew Geordie Gifford; sisters-in-law Jody Gifford of Ottawa and Sylvia McDonald of Halifax. Born in Montreal in 1915, Hilda Giffford was a graduate of McGill and of Dalhousie University in Halifax, where she started her career as a professional librarian. She worked in the I.L.O. office, the Harvard Law School Library and Dartmouth College, before coming to Ottawa to join Carleton College in 1948. During 33 years as Head Librarian and Collections Librarian, she provided leadership in transforming the modest book collection of a small college into the larger holdings and sophisticated library operation appropriate to contemporary Carleton University. In 1982, Carleton conferred the degree of Doctor of Literature, honoris causa. The citation noted her strong academic interests in history, literature and languages, which established the library as a prime academic unit in the University. During her professional life, she was active in the Ontario and Canadian Library Associations and the International Federation of Library Associations, to which she was Canadian representative. Hilda was also recognized for 'her important contribution to... the collegial ideal at Carleton.' Her hospitality combined a sense of academic purpose with a sense of community. After her retirement, Hilda Gifford continued to entertain, participate actively in Scottish Country Dancing, travel extensively and enjoy the company of friends and family, books, music and the arts. No service by request. Donations may be made in her memory to the Heart and Stroke Foundation.