Obituary: Arlene “Patricia” Richards Clifford, 88, of Guilford

Obituary courtesy of Guilford Funeral Home:

Arlene “Patricia” Richards Clifford, 88, of Guilford (formerly of Hamden), passed away peacefully at her home on September 7, 2023, after a brief illness. Wife of the late Robert W. Clifford, Pat was born in New Haven on March 3, 1935, daughter of the late George and Catherine (Callahan) Richards and was pre-deceased by a brother, George Richards, Jr.

Mrs. Clifford leaves behind four loving sons: Daniel (Elizabeth) of Hamden, Brendan (Michele) of Guilford, Robert of Guilford, and Andrew (Kara) of North Haven; five grandchildren: Gregory, Samantha, Victoria, Robert, and Brendan Matthew; and two great-grandsons: Jack and Keegan, with a third to be named shortly.

Pat grew up in New Haven and graduated from Hillhouse High School in 1952. At 21, she graduated from New Haven Teachers College (’56), got married and began her educational career as a kindergarten teacher. As if raising four boys wasn’t enough, she continued her education, earning a Master’s (‘74) and Sixth Year degree (‘80). In 1995, she moved to Guilford, and shortly after, retired from the New Haven Public School system, where she had worked as a school psychologist for many years. In retirement, Pat kept busy travelling, attending Broadway shows, movies, concerts, grandkids’ sporting events, and volunteering in her community. And, of course, she never missed a Sunday mass.

Pat was a superwoman in every regard: strong, independent, and selfless. A true matriarch, she had endless pride for her family and led the way through all of life’s triumphs and tragedies. She had tremendous faith and met every challenge—including a terminal diagnosis—with grace, dignity, and an endearing sense of humor. She will be missed dearly by all who knew and loved her, including many lifelong friends with whom she kept in touch.

Rest easy, Ma. We’ll take it from here.

A retired New Haven Public Schools psychologist, she enjoyed Broadway shows, movies, concerts, grandkids’ sporting events, and volunteering.

The family wishes to thank the staff of Home Care Plus VNA, as well as Yaa Agyeman and Sophia Hines-Bryan of Home Instead for their diligent support of our mom when she needed it most.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. George Church, 33 Whitfield St, Guilford on Wednesday, September 13 at 10 am. Burial will follow in St. Lawrence Cemetery, 280 Derby Ave, West Haven. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Project Purple, PO Box 884, Seymour, CT 06483; https://www.projectpurple.org