Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
Lauretta Clough Obituary
Dr. Lauretta Catherine Clough (Age 64)
Dr. Lauretta Clough of Bethesda, MD, passed away peacefully at home on September 21, 2023, surrounded by her family, following a stroke in early September.
Lauretta was the Associate Director of the School of Languages, Literatures, and Cultures at the University of Maryland until her retirement in Spring of 2023.
Lauretta graduated from Williams College in her native Massachusetts before moving to the DC area. She earned her doctorate in French Studies with a specialization in translation theory from UMD in 1998. Her published translations include Pierre Bordieu's sociology text "The State Nobility." She spent time in the south of France, and conducted an oral history of language and culture in the village of Aniane. Lauretta taught French language, culture, and translation as a lecturer at UMD for many years before holding the Associate Director position.
Lauretta was a published poet and used language creatively in all areas of her life, sharing loving, poetic correspondence with her friends and loved ones.
She is survived by her partner, Jorge Aguilar Mora, her father, Bradford Potter Clough, her brothers, Benjamin Bradford Clough and Wendell Marston Clough, her son, Llewellyn Stuart Smith, and her daughter, Rhiannon Marjorie Smith, as well as beloved friends from all sectors of her life.
A celebration of Lauretta's life will be held at 2 p.m. on October 29, at Glenview Mansion, 603 Edmonston Dr., Rockville, MD 20851. All are welcome. The interment will be held privately at a later date. In lieu of sending flowers, Lauretta's family invites all who knew her to plant a flower, bake some cookies to share, hug a friend, smile at a stranger, hum a song, or allow someone to do something nice for you.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Lauretta Clough
Laura Kaiser
July 17, 2025
I miss you, Lauretta! I have such fond memories of visiting you for Christmas in Seoul in 1984! You were an inspiration to me.
Engin
January 29, 2024
Dr. Clough you will be in my prayers I am shocked and saddened to read this sad news. You have been a great mentor during my studies and now you will be in my prayers. My sympathy to your family and your loved ones. May you rest in peace.
Sandhya
January 29, 2024
Madame Clough made me a better educator and a better human being. I will always cherish her kindness and compassion. This world has lost a light in her passing.
Naime Yaramanoglu
January 2, 2024
Rest in peace Lauretta. I cherish our friendship and memories in SLLC.
Aric
October 24, 2023
I hope always to remember Lauretta's smile. Her presence was a very special gift to everyone who was lucky enough to have known her.
Doug Robertson
October 14, 2023
Doug Robertson
October 14, 2023
Doug Robertson
October 14, 2023
Doug Robertson
October 14, 2023
Doug Robertson
October 14, 2023
Doug Robertson
October 14, 2023
I had the good fortune to spend my junior year in France in 1979-1980 with Lauretta as a fellow student in my group. We shared time together on some memorable bike trips, including Brittany and Normandy. Lauretta was such a kind, humorous, understated person during the time I knew her, always a terrific traveling companion. I have not seen her in recent years and already miss the opportunity to reconnect and reminisce about old times when we were all so young and the world was an exciting place full of possibilities. I know she will be greatly missed by her family and many friends. I share a few photos I took during that time (other traveling companions included Patrick Crump and Jane Pipkin).
susan edelman
October 4, 2023
Lauretta's memory is a blessing.
Patrick Crump
September 30, 2023
Lauretta and I were fellow French majors at Williams, and took memorable bike tours through Brittany and Normandy during our year in Paris. We reconnected 10 years ago, and enjoyed spending Thanksgiving with Lauretta and her family every year since. The obituary says it well; Lauretta had a way with words, written and spoken, conveying warmth and friendship in her unique voice. You left us too soon, Lauretta, but we will remember you always. Our condolences to the family. Soumaia and Patrick, Rafik and Ramez.
The Daniels Family
September 30, 2023
Lauretta was such a wonderful person, and I'm so grateful we were neighbors and friends for so many years. We shared so many moments out on the sidewalk delighting in our kids and enjoying our beautiful neighborhood, and especially enjoyed talking about Rhiannon and Katie's many, many hours spent playing together. Every once in awhile I'd get a note slipped under my door out of the blue from Lauretta, recounting something funny or sweet that one of the kids had done -- such a kind thing to do, and one of the things that I'll remember most of all. On behalf of David and all the Daniels kids, I just want to say how much we treasured her friendship, and how much we'll miss her. Much love to you all -- Kim Daniels
Showing 1 - 14 of 14 results
Make a Donation
in Lauretta Clough's name
Memorial Events
for Lauretta Clough
How to support Lauretta's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Lauretta Clough's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
