Carole Ann Clifford, age 82, the daughter of Cahil and Gertrude (Walsh) McFarland, passed away peacefully to be with God and her family on August 13, 2024. She was in the loving care of her children, who were by her side and present on the day of her passing.
Carole’s life journey began with her birth on December 24, 1941, as a Christmas Eve baby, in Detroit Michigan. She married Daniel Clifford in 1962 and they raised four children. John (Julia) Clifford, Maureen (Troy) Clifford-Young, Joe (Monique) Clifford and Mike (Laurie) Clifford.
Carole was blessed with fourteen Grandchildren; Greg Clifford, Denis Clifford, Manny (Shelby) Tapia, Casey Tapia, Christian (Kelly) Young, Liz (Sam) Ridgell, Alex Young, Nathanael Young, Conor (Cara) Clifford, Brady Clifford, Liam Clifford, Joe Clifford, Meghan Clifford, Matt Clifford and two Great Grandchildren; Ledger Young and Everly Ridgell.
Raised in a loving Catholic family, Carole was gifted with a compassionate spirit and an incredible sense of humor and wit. She filled her home with music, art, and humor, creating an environment rich with love and creativity that will be fondly remembered by her family and friends. Carole loved life in all forms, including her precious dogs and all animals. She enjoyed gardening, collecting stones and shells along the shoreline in Lexington Michigan, spending time with her kids and grandkids, and was always the last one to leave at any family function or event. She truly had a passion for people and service to others.
A talented musician, Carole spent many years playing and teaching guitar, allowing her to share her passion for music with others. She enjoyed participating in the Guardian Angels Church choir as well as playing guitar and leading the Saturday evening mass folk group, for many years. Her love for music and art was a gift she passed on to her children and grandchildren, ensuring that the joy of music would continue to be a part of their lives.
Lifelong learning and education were very important to Carole. She would often say, “I’m not sure what I’m going to be when I grow up,” and had a drive to read and learn continuously. She achieved her Bachelors in Psychology, Religious Studies, and Theology from Mercy College of Detroit in 1988 and her Pastoral Ministry Associate degree from Sacred Heart Seminary College. Her career mirrored her deep faith and desire to serve others. She served as a Catechism teacher for over 14 years at Guardian Angels grade school in Clawson, as a music teacher at St. Mary’s of Royal Oak, as the Director of Religious Education at St. John and Paul Parish in Washington, as a religion teacher at St. Mary of Redford High School and as a substance abuse counselor for 9 years. She finished her career as a counselor at Cottage Hospital in Grosse Pointe Farms.
Carole will be deeply missed by her family, friends, and all those whose lives she touched. A celebration of Carole’s life will be held on Thursday, August 22 from 3-8 p.m. at The Kaul Funeral Home: 35201 Garfield Rd., Clinton Township, MI 48035. A mass will be held on Friday, August 23 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Ronald Catholic Church: 17701 15 Mile Rd., Clinton Township, MI 48035.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in her memory to the Alzheimer's Association or the Michigan Humane Society. A link is provided below.
