Mary Ellen Clifford

WORCESTER – Mary Ellen Clifford, 57, of Worcester, died Tuesday, June 28, 2022 at her home after a long illness.

Mary Ellen was predeceased by her parents Bernard D. Clifford Sr. and Mary (O'Donnell) Clifford, her brother Michael Clifford and her brother-in-law Chris Kelly.  She is survived by her siblings Bernard D. Clifford Jr. and his wife Robin of Wilbraham, Suzanne Gicas of Worcester, Amy Kelly and her significant other James Okerberg of Dennis, and Callie Clifford of Worcester.  She will be greatly missed by her nieces and nephews Megan, Ryan, Dylan, Michael, Kira, Brittany, Alexandra, Christian, Brendan, Samantha, Shannon and Caitlin.  She also leaves her brother-in-law Stephen Gicas, her good friend Dayle Desrosiers, her Godmother Ellie Looney, and many cousins, aunts and uncles.

Mary Ellen spent many years at the Mercy Centre, both as a student and paraprofessional, forming strong friendships.  She was a mentor for the younger children and eventually became a part of the pre-school staff.  As the pre-school program at the school became smaller Mary Ellen transitioned to a job as a pre-school assistant at St. Agnes Guild where she continued to help many children learn life lessons.

Mary Ellen excelled at forming friendships, both at work and in her personal life.  She was well known in the Beaver Brook neighborhood where she grew up, she always had a smile and a hello for her neighbors.  Whether riding her bike, playing basketball, walking to the store or her sister’s house, throughout her life Mary Ellen would always have the time to greet her neighborhood friends.  She also served the people of this community for many years as a Eucharistic Minister at St. Andrew the Apostle Church.

The friendships she was most proud of however were those formed as an athlete for the Special Olympics.  From a very young age she competed in track, basketball and softball but her love was swimming.  Mary Ellen was a strong competitor when in the pool.  She amassed many gold medals over the years while competing in the breast-stroke, relay and her strongest stroke, the butterfly.  She could cut through the water as smoothly as Michael Phelps.  After competing for many years at the local and state level, in 1991 she went to the world games in Minneapolis, Minnesota.  To no surprise of her friends and family back home in Worcester, she returned with a medal, stories of her triumph and many happy memories.  As a true competitor she was proud of her accomplishment, proud of her teammates and gracious to the other competitors.

She will be truly missed by her friends, family and her extended family.  Mary Ellen's smile and personality lit up every room she entered.  After so many happy and well-lived years in the family home that her grandfather built on May Street, she had a wonderful time brightening the lives of housemates and staff at her second home, thanks to Tippawan Burns.  We, her siblings, are eternally grateful for the care, support and kindness provided by the caregivers who shared her life and final days.

A Funeral Mass will be held Tuesday, July 5 at 11:00 am at St. Andrew the Apostle Church, 5 Spaulding St, Worcester.  Burial will follow at St. John’s Cemetery.  Calling hours at the church will be Tuesday from 9:30 – 10:45, preceding the Mass.  Arrangements are in the care of Rice Funeral Home, 300 Park Ave.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Mercy Centre, 25 W. Chester St., Worcester, MA 01605 (https://www.ccworc.org/mercy-centre), or to Special Olympics Massachusetts, 512 Forest St, Marlborough, MA 01752 (https://www.specialolympicsma.org/get-involved/as-a-donor/)