Mar. 26, 2014:  Mary Lawrence Clifford, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, relative, and friend, died peacefully in her home on March 15, 2014, surrounded by family. A descendent of the Lawrence family that founded Bronxville, Mary is the great-granddaughter of Sarah and William Van Dusen Lawrence and the aunt of Robert and Sarah Underhill of Bronxville. She was 81 at the time of her death.  

"How could they fit so much pizzazz into such a small person?" That is the sentiment most commonly expressed by the legions of people who loved Mary Clifford, but most of all by her adoring husband of nearly 60 years, Donald K. "Obie" Clifford, formerly of Bronxville. 

Mary was a devoted lifetime mom, not only to her own five children, but also to so many others who needed a mother in their lives. She was also a loving grandmother to her fourteen grandchildren, delightful friend and relative, lover of dogs and other furred or feathered creatures, creator of beauty out of nature's offerings, enthusiastic athlete, voracious reader, and playful initiator of fun and games. 

Mary was also a natural leader, rising to the top or other leadership roles in so many of her volunteer activities--the eastern chapter of the Nature Conservancy, Emma Willard School, The Big Wolf Lake Association, The Wild Center of Tupper Lake, NY,  Rusticus Garden Club, and book groups.   

A longtime resident of Mount Kisco, NY, Mary was a graduate of Emma Willard School and Vassar College.

In her unassuming way, Mary was a builder of people and institutions. She left every person and every organization enhanced and buoyed up through her attentions and no-nonsense support.  

She will be deeply missed and will remain, always, a bright light in our hearts.

A service of remembrance will be held for Mary at the Church of St. Joseph of Arimathea in Elmsford, NY, on Saturday, March 29, at 11:00 am. 

In lieu of flowers, Mary's family would deeply appreciate gifts to The Wild Center, 45 Museum Dr., Tupper Lake, NY 12986; wildcenter.org.