Margaret J. Clifford

December 7, 1940 - February 21, 2021

Margaret is survived by her loving husband, Lawrence “Larry” Clifford; children, Julie (Michael) Collins of Valparaiso, IN and Tammy Lakes of Southern California; grandchildren, Laura Lakes, Matthew Collins, Margaret Collins and Samuel Collins; brothers, Rolly (Judy) Robbins and Duane (Judy) Robbins; brother-in-law, John White; and sisters-in-law, Jane (Dan) Geren and Flo Clifford. She was preceded in death by her parents; sister, Elizabeth Ann Betty White; and brother-in-law, David Clifford.

Margaret was a teacher and eventually a Principal at St. Stan’s school starting in 1964 for 34 years. She had an undergraduate degree in Business from Indiana University Bloomington, a Master’s degree in Elementary Education from Indiana University South Bend, and a Principal’s license from IU. Margaret was an Associate Producer and a Production Office Manager for four movies at Film Acres from 1999-2018. She volunteered for numerous organizations over the years including, Former President of Tri Kappa and CISV (Children’s International Summer Village). Margaret encouraged and helped many people to pursue higher education to improve their lives. She was deeply devoted to her family and especially enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren.

Due to Covid precautions, private family services will take place. Later in the year, the family will host a mass at St. Stan’s and celebration of her life that everyone will be welcome to attend.

Margaret lovingly dedicated many years of service to both St. Stanislaus School and Church. In keeping with that same dedication, in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Margaret’s name to St. Stanislaus Renaissance Campaign, 1506 Washington Street, Michigan City, IN 46360.

The family would like to give a special thanks to Dunes Hospice for their compassion and loving care of Margaret.

To sign the guestbook or leave condolences, please visit: www.geisenfuneralhome.com or call (219)874-4214.

Geisen Funeral Home

Melody Willis Fischbacher

Robert Rude

Roger Kobos

Angela Zeese Stark

Angela Zeese Stark

Sydney Smith

Tom & Debbie Irk

Trisha Woolslayer

Kevin

Denise Delaney

Margaret J. Clifford, age 80, of LaPorte, IN passed away peacefully at her home on Sunday, February 21, 2021. She was born on December 7, 1940 in Michigan City, IN to John Elroy and Jeanette (Weatherbee) Robbins. Margaret is survived by her loving husband, Lawrence “Larry” Clifford; children, Julie (Michael) Collins of Valparaiso, IN andContinue Reading

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You were a wonderful person and teacher. Thank you for your help with our child. May God bless you! Rest In Peace Dave

Deepest sympathies to the Clifford Family from Karen and Pat “Harry” Nee. Margaret was a good friend, mentor, and coworker at St. Stan’s. We have good memories of those days. Your family is in our prayers.

I met Margaret through Tri Kappa, I have such great respect, admiration and joy in knowing and being with her. We had our first meeting tonight without her and her presence was greatly missed. I had such a fond affection for Margaret and want you to know she was truly a friend and Tri Kappa sister and will be forever in my heart and will be truly missed!! Gods blessings to you all!!!

"Children are a gift of God" & so are TEACHERS. May the precious memories remain forever in your hearts & bring you strength & peace. Our deepest sympathy.

321 Pearl St.

Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.

An Awesome lady, always helpful and mindful of others situations. RIP

So sorry to hear of her passing. I was a student at St. Stan's when she started teaching and later taught with her when I started teaching. I also taught her children. She enjoyed listening to my band at many occasions. She will be missed.

My most sincere sympathy at this time for your entire family. Mrs. Clifford was my 4th grade teacher at St. Stan’s. I remember her fondly.

You always remember the teachers that had the most impact on your life and Mrs. Clifford was one of them for me. Prayers to your family and I am blessed to have had her as a young student at St. Stans.

So deeply sorry to hear of Margaret's passing. She was a wonderful principal at St. Stan's and our children were lucky to have her. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers. God Bless!! Cindy Weiss

In memory of Margaret J. Clifford, Roger Kobos lit a candle

Never say never, never say you can’t, never doubt your ability to succeed was what Margaret relayed to each and everyone she met. I will always be thankful she had our girls under her wing. She had a special and positive way to engage you in a project that she would have special interest in, and you just couldn’t refuse. We will miss running into her on occasion. A very special lady. We wish to express our sorrow to Larry and family. Just know that she is probably organizing a procession right now with real angels! Peace and love. Donna & Ted Lyster

Mrs. Clifford had such an impact on my sisters and my life that continued well after our grade school days. My thoughts and prayers to her family and to all those who were fortunate enough to be part of her extended St. Stans family. We have lost a wonderful educator and friend. May she Rest In Peace.

Mrs Clifford was a big part of our children’s lives. She will always be remembered for giving so much of her time to St Stan’s. With deepest sympathy to her family. Rich & Cindy Bechinski

Myself and my family have a lifetime of memories with Mrs. Clifford. It dates back to when she was at St. Stan's for all The Lyster Sisters. We had so much fun in 8th grade, as it was just four of us students, and Margaret and Mom. They shuffled us around DC in a minivan and we got lost many times. The same year Margaret broke her leg that first day, and we ended up pushing her around DC, all with a smile and a laugh. We never lost touch but we reconnected again as she recruited and mentored me for work at FilmAcres. And my favorite part of midnight mass is sitting behind her and Larry every year. Love to Larry, and the girls, and the rest of the family. A true legend!

Please accept my heartfelt condolences on Margaret’s passing. My thoughts and prayers are with with Tammy and the rest of her family. Sincerely, Hyder

Prayers of peace and comfort for Mrs.Clifford’s family and friends.

Mrs. Clifford was such a huge part of my childhood. She was my 4th grade and 8th grade teacher as well as our principal (1980's to 1993). So many laughs and good times. She will be missed. My prayers are with the family. Her memory will live on with all her past students.

Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.

Thank you for everything you did for our children at St. Stanislaus. We want to express our sympathy to Larry, Julie, Tammy, and the rest of the family. Tom and Eileen Buczkowski

In memory of Margaret J. Clifford, Sydney Smith lit a candle

I was fortunate to be a student of Mrs. Clifford in both 3rd & 5th grade. She demonstrated a genuine love and concern for all. She always challenged me to strive to do my very best. I thank God for this blessing and gift in my life!

Margaret has been a major part of our family’s lives. She started as their educator, and has been supportive if their needs even through their adult lives. She and her husband Larry, have been good friends. She fought long and hard, and now may she rest peacefully. Thank you Margaret.

We have lived next door to Larry & Margaret for 10 years. In that time those lovely people have treated our 2 daughters like their own grandchildren. Margaret always gave our girls cards for every holiday and was thrilled when we had our 2nd daughter. She was such a kind loving person. Our deepest condolences to the entire Clifford family and our prayers are with you.

Mrs. Clifford’s devotion to Catholic education knew no bounds. She was an amazing teacher and principal. We especially remember the student trip to Washington D.C. She did indeed touch the lives of many. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

In memory of Margaret J. Clifford, Trisha Woolslayer lit a candle

Larry, Julie, Tammy, Thinking of you all at this sad time and sending love and prayers your way. Aunt Marge will be dearly missed.

Great memories from my years at St. Stans with Mrs. Clifford. She was my 4th, 7th and 8th grade teacher, as well as principal my 8th grade year. My thoughts and prayers are with your family during this time. ??❤️

Love and prayers.

Larry Julie and Tammy my deepest sympathy many wonderful memories of Margaret at St Stans to think of all the lives she has touched and her devotion to education she will be greatly missed by all who knew her

I have a special place in my heart for Mrs. Clifford as she was my first boss (principal) at Saint Stans School. Sending love and prayers to her family❤️. Denise Delaney

Our thoughts and prayers are with you all!!

Rest in peace Mrs. Clifford. Many wonderful memories from St.Stanislaus

In memory of Margaret J. Clifford, Patrick Clifford lit a candle

Sorry for your loss Duane. Prayers and good thoughts to you and all your family. God Bless.

Gone from our sight but never from our hearts.

Maggie always remembered Carol's birthday and the times they shared before Larry and Keith became family. We loved her enthusiasm, and we miss her.

So sorry to hear about Margaret. Praying for the family and may God be with you at this time of need.

Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.

Margaret will be greatly missed and was muched loved by her Tri Kappa-Delta Mu sisters. Our condolences to her family.

Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.