Anne Clifford

Sister Anne Clifford (John Paul), CSJ, 80, died Wednesday, Oct. 2, 2024, in the 63rd year of her religious life. The daughter of John Robert and Julia Goodwin, Sister Anne entered the congregation from St. John Parish in Uniontown. Sister Anne has nearly 50 years of teaching experience, mostly in higher education. Her education ministries began at St. Bernard in Pittsburgh (1965-67), St. James in Sewickley (1967-70), and Mount Gallitzin Academy in Baden (1970-1975). She lectured at Carlow College in Pittsburgh (1978-1981) and Trinity College in Maryland (1986-1988). For the next two decades, Sister Anne, who earned her Ph.D. at Catholic University in Washington, D.C., was an associate professor of theology at Duquesne University in Pittsburgh, where she was honored with the President's Awards for Faculty Excellence and Service. While at Duquesne, Sister Anne also served as director of the graduate theology program and chairwoman of the university's core curriculum revision committee. From 2008 to 2019, Sister Anne served as the first woman to be named to the Msgr. James A. Supple Chair in Catholic Studies in the Philosophy and Religious Studies Department at Iowa State University. During her tenure, she was awarded the prestigious Presidential Award from the College Theology Society. While teaching in higher education, Sister Anne became a renowned author, scholar, and presenter with extensive knowledge and interest in feminist theology, creation theology, and the natural sciences. In 2000, she authored a book entitled 'Introducing Feminist Theology,' which addressed the contribution of women to spirituality as well as the global violence toward women in developing countries. The book, which has been reprinted several times, is used in college classrooms throughout the country. The scope of Sister Anne's interrelated work attracted both national and international attention. She formerly served on the Board of Directors of the Catholic Theological Society of America and as the vice president of the College Theology Society. Sister Anne was invited to participate at many science and religion conferences, including the Catholic Theological Society, the Association for the Advancement of Science, as well as two co-sponsored by the Vatican at Castel Gandolfo outside of Rome and in Krakow, Poland. She was also a contributing editor for the revised New Catholic Encyclopedia, with oversight of the articles on women and feminist theology. A friend and former colleague described Sister Anne as 'a talented and perceptive scholar whose work has made an important contribution to the Church and to how we see God at work in the world.' With a gentle, welcoming spirit, she mentored many theologians and showed genuine care for her students, who described her as 'considerate, knowledgeable, and kind' and who challenged them to think critically. Sister Anne saw her vocation as 'one who serves God by serving students.' Predeceased by her sister, Karen Clifford. Sister Anne is survived by her brother, John Robert Clifford, and his wife, Cherie Clifford; a sister, Mary Clifford; a niece, nephews, and great-nieces; and associates and the Sisters of St. Joseph of Baden. The Sisters are grateful to the supportive living staff at the motherhouse for their care of Sister Anne. Friends will be received from 1 p.m., to the close of the Prayer Vigil, which begins at 6 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 8, and Wednesday, Oct. 9, from 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., in Medaille Hall at the Motherhouse of the Sisters of St. Joseph. Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 4 p.m., on Wednesday, Oct. 9, in the Motherhouse Chapel. Donations in the name of Sister Anne may be sent to the Sisters of St. Joseph Memorial Fund, Mission Advancement Office, 1020 W. State St., Baden, PA 15005, or made online at www.stjoseph-baden.org.