Dorothea F. Loveless, age 96, died peacefully in her sleep on January 2, 2012 after a brief illness at Huntington Living Center, Waterloo. She was formerly a resident of Clifton Springs and Phelps and for a time in Rochester.

Dorothea, the daughter of Edward W.T. and Jennie Stewart Fairman, was preceded in death by daughter Susan Roberta Gifford, sisters Esther F. Lowell and Elizabeth F. Boughtin, and husbands Robert E. Gifford, Spencer W. Taylor, and John E. Loveless. She is survived by her sons Loren E. Gifford (Martha Stevermer) and Scott V. (Rosemary B.) Gifford, brother Edward F. Fairman, sisters Mildred F. Parmelee and Margery F. (Tom) Stallman, stepchildren Richard (Judy) Loveless, Robert (Michelle) Loveless, and Teddy (Bill) Wenner, and by grandchildren Adam S. Gifford, Arvid L. Gifford, Stephen B. Gifford, and Miles R. Gifford.

Dorothea is a graduate of Rochester School of Commerce (RIT) and worked in Rochester and in Phelps as a secretary. She was also a professional vocalist, a member of Jo Bihary’s Stardusters trio in Geneva, choir director at Clifton Springs Baptist Church, and the former Methodist Church in Phelps. Dorothea was a member of the Tuesday Club in Phelps and the United Church of Phelps, she volunteered at the Clifton Springs Memorial Library, and enjoyed singing with the Clifton Springs Community Chorus. Dorothea designed her own clothes and was always fashionable.

Donations in Dorothea’s name can be made to your church, or a local charity such as the Phelps Historic Society, 66 Main St., Phelps NY 14532.

A memorial service is being planned for spring and will be announced later. Please share memories or stories about Dorothea via Email to [email protected]. There are no calling hours and interment will be private.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Coe-Genung Funeral Home in Waterloo.