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Mary Clifford Obituary
She leaves her twin sister, Elizabeth of Worcester; her brothers, Timothy (Ted) and his companion Ellie Arsenault of Hopkinton and Jack and his wife, Susan of Castle Rock, CO; her niece, Allison Clifford and her husband, Scott Aronson of Silver Spring, MD; her closest friends, Susan Cook, Mary Gadaire, Betsy and Barbara Drake and Mary Haberstroh all of Worcester.
Mary was born in Worcester, daughter of the late Timothy and Katherine (Riordan) Clifford and lived here all her life. Mary graduated from St. Peter Central Catholic High School, Becker Junior College and Worcester City Hospital School of Nursing. She also earned bachelor degrees in nursing and psychology and a master's degree in education from Worcester State College. In addition, she received her master's degree in nursing from Anna Maria College.
Mary's professional career combined her love of both nursing and teaching. From 1968-1992, Mary worked at the former Worcester City Hospital. She began her career as a nurse in the pediactric unit and then worked for the next twenty-four years as an instructor at Worcester City Hospital School of Nursing. In 1992, Mary began her 'second career' as a teacher and facilitator in the Health Science Academy at North High School.
She served for many years as the head of the nurses' union at Worcester City Hospital and treasurer of its School of Nursing Alumni Association.
The funeral will be held Fri., Oct. 5, from CALLAHAN & FAY BROTHERS FUNERAL HOME, 61 Myrtle St. with a Mass at 10 AM in Blessed Sacrament Church, 555 Pleasant St. Burial will be in St. John's Cemetery. Visiting hours are Thurs., Oct. 4, from 5 to 8 PM at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to, Blessed Sacrament Church, 555 Pleasant St., Worcester, 01602 or to the Little Sisters of the Poor, 1 Jeanne Jugan Ln., Latham, NY 12110-3098. For directions and on-line guest book, please visit.
www.callahanfay.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Mary Clifford
Jessica Kurkiewicz
October 15, 2007
Ms. Clifford,
we miss you so much you truely were a trooper with everything you have been through you always did the best you could and you handled everything so well and you will always be appreciated and remembered for your hard work!
we all love and miss you and know your in a better place no!
Ruth Mccue
October 14, 2007
Dear MARY,
Our happy memories of you and the courageous life you lived will keep you close in our hearts forever. Till we meet again.
Love Ruth and Sean McCue
Kathy Lawton
October 8, 2007
DEAREST MARY,
Rest assured that you have affected hundreds if not thousands of lives and individuals. You will always be admired by the best of all.
Katherine Lawton
October 8, 2007
Mary,
Throughout your life,you have been an inspiration to all who have known you.. We mourn your loss and regale your works.God Speed to you..
Katherine Lawton
October 8, 2007
BETTY,
Your sister Mary is one of the most amazing,nice and wonderful people I've ever known--Mary affected hundreds if not thousands of individuals in their quest...from Worcester City Hospital School of Nursing to beyond.........This WCHSON Alumna will never forget MARY CLIFFORD and the impact she made on my life.
Carol Chandley
October 6, 2007
Dear Mary,
I have missed you and your Irish sense of humor these past months at North High School. You have touch so many lives in a positive way, and are very dear to all. It was difficult to see you suffer so much, even though you never complained. Rest Well, "Good and Faithful Servant." Thanks so much for touching my life.........and thank you for your Professional Day Gift! We know you had the last laugh!!
Kathleen Pickett
October 5, 2007
Dearest Betty,
Time goes by and yet in our hearts we are the same young girls that Sister Mary Andrew and Sister Mary Cecelia taught when the four of us, you and Mary, and my twin, Vivian and I were at Blessed Sacrament grammar school together. In Sepember of 1959 you and Mary went to St. Peter's and Vivian and I to Ascension High School. It wasn't until I attended my niece, Maryanne's, graduation from North that I ran into Mary. We were so excited to see each other and trying to catch up on all the years in between. I've thought of both of you so many times over the years, and always when I drive by the street where you lived and the four of us spent so many happy times together. I am saddened beyond words, and I send my deepest sympathy and love to Betty, to her family and all her many friends.
Paula Derosier
October 5, 2007
Ms. Clifford and Family,
I would just like to thank you Ms. Clifford for all the lifes you changed in all the students you taught..My son happen to be one of them and I know he adored you very much.You showed them career paths they could all have and most of them have followed those paths.With out you and the rest of your health teachers I dont think most of the students would be where they are now.So thank you for being there when times got tough for my son, because with you and the rest of the health teachers you have turned one fine young man into a wonderful and caring nurse and so many other students that have turned out the same..Thank you for taking the time to care so much..
Paula Derosier
Myrle Shediack
October 4, 2007
10/4/07
Dear Betty:
I am Myrle Leamy Shediack who lived next door to your beloved parents and their dear children.
What excitement was there when you twins were born!
Our neice Mary Ellen Leamy Otenti called and informed us about Mary.
Mary looked like your dear Mother in the photo'
Please tell your brother and ttheir families that our prayers are with you.
Myrle Leamy Shediack
(Lawrenceville,GA)
Ashley Cate
October 4, 2007
Ms Clifford,
You changed my life so much. I would not be where I am today without your help. I love my job at the hospital and thank you so much for helping me with that. I miss you. God Bless <3
Myrle Shediack
October 4, 2007
10/4/07
Dear Betty:
I am Myrle Leamy Shediack who lived next door to your beloved parents and their dear children.What excitement when you twins were born!
Our neice Mary Ellen Otenti called and informed us of Mary's passing.Mary looked like your mother in her photo.
Please tell your brothers and their families that our prayers are with you
Michelle Francis
October 4, 2007
We will miss you so much Mary! It is such an honor to have such good people like Betty and Mary living next door. God Bless!
Michelle, Ryan, Abi and Mackenzie
Stef Epstein
October 4, 2007
Miss Clifford,
May you rest ever so peacefully in the Lord's arms. You are a kind, compassionate and beautiful person who gave so thoughtfully and unselfishly to your students, your patients and your family.
My sincerest condolences.
Stef Epstein WCHSON Class of 1977
Vivian (Pickett) Peluso
October 4, 2007
It is amazing that as many years as it has been since our grammar school days at Blessed Sacrament, how special a person can remain in ones heart. Mary and I were best friends all through 7th and 8th grade and wished we were going on together to the same high school. My twin sister Kathy and I went to Ascension and Mary and Betty went to St. Peter's. Years later we had such fun talking together at UMASS, where I worked, when Mary brought her students from North. My own daughter Maryanne was one of the lucky ones in Mary's intern program. My heart is broken right now and I send my deepest sympathy and love to Betty, her family and all her friends.
Dorothy Adams
October 4, 2007
I will always remember Mary! She was the person that pierced my ears so every time I put my earrings in every day, I think of her.
I will have fond memories of the summertime on the Cape during vacations and playing Clue with Mary, Betty, Susan and Mom and Dad!
She will be missed.
With love,
Dottie
Mary Christine (Lyons) Sullivan
October 4, 2007
Dear Clifford Family, I was sorry to read of Mary's death. I remember her & Betty from long ago when they were young and they visited my mother, Anna (Leahy) Lyons, when we lived on Vernon Hill in Worcester. I also remember your parents Timmy & Kitty - they were such fun at the get-to-gethers at the Clifford house on 5th Avenue also on Vernon Hill. My symphathy goes out to all of you at this sorrowful time.
Lauren Zborowski (Prestes)
October 4, 2007
You were truely an amazing teacher who has inspired myself and many others to reach for the stars. God Bless your family and friends during this time.
Everyone @ Sovereign Bank 1125 Pleasant St.
October 4, 2007
We were so sorry to hear of your loss. The thoughts of many are with you at this time of sorrow.
Julie Rice Benedict
October 4, 2007
I first met Ms. Clifford when she began teaching at North High School. She was friendly and easy to connect to. She was a kind and caring person. It was always a pleasure to see her long after my years as a student. I am so glad that she touched my life. She will be missed. I am sorry for your loss.
nicole swindell
October 4, 2007
ms clifford
i cant believe your gone. i remember internship and im truly greatful for all the hard work you put into gettin me the best internship we will truly miss you.
on behalf of the class of 2007
Jennifer Bozsar
October 3, 2007
Mrs.Clifford even thought i did not know you that well , you always made sure that we do good in internship. you are now in a better place.we are still praying for you no matter what.you will be missed
Amanda Aubin
October 3, 2007
Dear Ms. Clifford,
You are a wonderful person who will be truly missed. I wouldn't be where I am now without your help. Thank You! I know you're in a better place now.
Love,
Amanda
Daniel Coonan
October 3, 2007
Mary
Your are very special and can be considered an inspiration for all of us. Audrey and I always admired your courage, strength, and most importantly our friendship. Peace and Love in your journey to eternal peace.
Dan and Audrey Coonan
Melissa McCue Noroian
October 3, 2007
Dear Mary,
Forever in our thoughts and prayers,
In Heaven you now find peace.
Such joy you brought to ours and theirs,
Our memories never will cease.
We'll miss you!
With love to all,
Melissa (McCue) and Gary Noroian
Katherine and Gregory
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