Lillian Clifford

CHARLTON - Lillian J. (Goodney) Clifford, 81, passed quietly on Monday, April 15, 2013, at Overlook Masonic Health Center, where she had lived since 2006. She was surrounded by her family and staff members who had become like family to her. Her husband, L. Sargent "Bud" Clifford, died in 1991. They met while attending Bethany Congregational Church in Worcester. Together they raised their family in Oxford. Lillian is survived by her three children, Gary Clifford and his wife Kathy of Oxford, Dale Clifford and his wife Debora of Maine, and Tammy Clifford of Smithfield, RI; two grandchildren, Matthew Clifford of Leominster and Tara Clifford of Oxford; nieces, nephews, and extended family and friends. She also leaves her one remaining sister, Marylin Laramie of Oregon. She was predeceased by a brother, Walter Goodney; and four sisters, Lorraine Martin, Shirley Preston, June Goodney, and Janet Brunell. Mrs. Clifford was born and raised in Worcester, the daughter of the late Walter R. and Irene A. (Miller) Goodney, and graduated from Worcester Girls Trade School. She was an accomplished dressmaker and seamstress. She made dresses and clothes for family and friends. Recently she became quite involved in making American Girl Doll Clothes, selling them at fairs, and giving them as gifts. She also provided her seamstress skills to staff and fellow residents at Overlook. Lillian was a longtime member of the First Congregational Church in Oxford, as well as a 40-year member of the Clara Barton Chapter of the Order of the Eastern Star. She touched many lives with her sweet and gentle spirit and her generous and loving heart. She always put others' needs before her own. Children were drawn to her. The staff at Overlook loved her almost as much as her own family did. She was their "favorite resident." Friends and relatives are invited to visit with the family on Friday, April 19, 2013, from 5:00-8:00 p.m. at Paradis Funeral Home, 357 Main St., Oxford. Her funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, April 20, 2013, at the First Congregational Church, 355 Main St., Oxford. Burial will follow at Worcester County Memorial Park in Paxton. Immediately following the burial, there will be a celebration of Lillian's life at the First Congregational Church. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the First Congregational Church, P.O. Box 585, Oxford, MA 01540.