Jean Mcginnis Clifford

Jean McGinnis Clifford 88, passed away peacefully on December 5, 2019, after a brief illness, with her family by her side.

Jean was born in Rutland on April 19, 1931, daughter of William and Ellen (Carlson) McGinnis.

She attended St. Peter’s School and Mount St. Joseph Academy.  She was a member of St. Peter’s Church.

Jean started working as a telephone operator at New England Telephone, at the age of 16.  She was a member of the Telephone Pioneers.  When operators were phased out, she became an Administrative Assistant for Outside Plant Engineering.  She maintained this position until her retirement in 1985.

Jean married John Patrick Clifford on June 6, 1953 at St. Peter’s Church.  After seven years of living in Schenectady, NY, they returned to Rutland where they continued to raise their family of five children.

Jean is survived by a daughter, Lou Ann (Joe) Cioffi of Rutland, a son Christopher (Valerie Levatino) Clifford of Rutland, daughter Mary (Jack) Kaubris of Rumford, Maine, daughter Michele Streeter (Andy Dattilio) of Williston VT; her nine grandchildren, Matthew Cioffi, Megan Cioffi (Stephen Millington), Abbe Clifford, Ryan Clifford, Mollie Kaubrys, McKenzie Kaubrys, Madeleine Kaubrys, Graham Streeter, Nolan Streeter and beloved great granddaughter, Charlotte Jean Millington.  She is also survived by her younger brother Gerry McGinnis of Rutland.  As well as cousins and several nieces, nephews.

Jean was predeceased by her son John P. “Jack” Clifford Jr., in 1991 and her beloved husband of 53 years John Patrick Clifford, who passed away in 2006.  She was also predeceased by her parents; siblings Charles McGinnis, Marie Firliet and William “Bill” McGinnis.

Jean will be remembered for her generosity, love of family, friends and her way with infants and children.  She had a wonderful spirit and great Irish sense of humor.  She loved to read and share stories of wonderful family memories.  She will be greatly missed.

Calling hours will be held on Wednesday from 4-6 PM in the Clifford Funeral Home.  A funeral service will be held at St. Peter’s Church at 11 AM on Thursday, December 12, 2019.  A reception will immediately follow the funeral mass.

Memorial contributions in lieu of flowers, may be made to St. Peter’s Church, Convent Ave. Rutland, VT 05701.

Arrangements are by the Clifford Funeral Home.