Mary E. Clifford

ZIONSVILLE, IN Mary Elizabeth Clifford, 88, died Thursday, August 9, 2012, at St. Vincent's Hospice following a brief illness. Born in Denver, Colo., on December 16, 1923, the daughter of Thomas and Laura Hughes, Mary's early years developed the western spirit of this Colorado girl. In 1945, while serving as the secretary to the Catholic Chaplin of Lowry Army Air Force Base, she met and married Jerry F. Clifford of Nanticoke, Pa., on April 5, 1945. Following short stays in Memphis and Des Moines, Indianapolis became her home from 1954 through 1968. Next, Hanover, headquarters of Jerry's employer, The Hanover Shoe (since acquired by C. J. Clark), was home. In 1983, Mary and Jerry returned to Indianapolis to enjoy their retirement years. Throughout her life, Mary enjoyed active participation in parish activities and was a founding member St. Gabriel's Catholic Church in Indianapolis and was the first President of the Women's Club. She loved to just "get out", go places, and see things, especially her children and grandchildren. Mary also was a talented quilter and loved to sew. Her creative works are cherished by all family members and friends. Jerry died on August 28, 1987, but their marriage remained the primary focus of Mary's life. Her equally important priorities - Homemaker, Mother, and Catholic - were easily recognized. Prayers, devotions, and petitions to the Blessed Mother were very much a part of her life, and the lives of those she loved. She is survived by her five children, Jerry T. (Mary Ellen) and Francis X. (Mary Ann) of Indianapolis, Ind., Mary Weddle of Zionsville, Ind., Michael J. (Jeanne) of Hanover, and Patrick (Christine) of Tampa, Fla.; 11 grandchildren include Christopher T. (Stephanie) of Indianapolis, Suzanne M. Taylor (Dana) of St. Paul, Minn., Colleen M. Starkey (Nickolas) of Colorado Springs, Colo., Katie Hess (Patrick), Columbus, Ohio, Patrick Weddle of Tampa, Fla., Julia Bonomo (John) of London, UK, Bradley Clifford of Milwaukee, Wis., Kelly Rebert of Hanover, Jennifer Bicher (Jordan) of York, Taylor Clifford of Tampa, Fla., and Zachery Clifford (Kaelyn) of San Diego, Calif.; and 17 great- grandchildren complete the family. They include Katherine, Benjamin, Nicholas, and Matthew Clifford of Indianapolis, Evan and Andrew Taylor of St. Paul, Anna and Steel Starkey of Colorado Springs, Ryan, Michael, and Maggie Hess of Columbus, Chase Clifford of Tampa, Lauren Bonomo of London, Brody and Luke Rebert of Hanover, Ella Bicher of York, and Keira Clifford of San Diego. Visitation will be at 9 a.m. Tuesday August 14, 2012, at St. Lawrence Catholic Church. A Funeral (Requiem) Mass is scheduled for 11 a.m. followed by services at Oaklawn Memorial Garden Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions to St. Lawrence Catholic Church, 6944 E. 46th St., Indianapolis, IN 46226. Services entrusted to Feeney-Hornak Shadeland Mortuary. Condolences may be offered at www.feeneyhornakshadeland.com