Patricia Joyce Clifton

1944-2017

Patricia (friends called her Trish) Wolvek Clifton was fierce – in life, love and death. Despite her 4’11” frame, she was mighty, had the biggest, most-generous spirt, a heart of gold (and probably some diamonds too!), and a passion for everything she undertook. She loved life. She was smart, a fabulous cook, loved to garden, ever-protective of her family and friends, volunteered boundlessly and kept smiles on her friends' faces. She made the world a brighter place. But even the brightest stars don’t last forever. On June 28th, Trish joined her mother, father and beloved brother, Steven after a tough fight, leaving us wonderful memories. Trish had a big, big heart but it wasn’t strong enough to keep her with us.

Born in Brooklyn, New York, June 24th, 1944 , she stayed there throughout her youth. Trish then went to Florida, and received her teaching degree from University of Florida (Gators) in 1966. After extensive backpacking in Europe, she then went on to get her masters degree from New York University at NYU. After graduating, she resided in Manhattan and taught from 1967 through 1979. Here she also met her match and soulmate, Jim, 39 years ago at a bar; how cliche! After Jim converted to Judaism, they got married in 1979. He ran a successful development business and built apartments. She ran the household and built a home. They traveled the world and she got to use her skills of speaking four languages, then settling down to raise their family, with daughters Courtney and Jessica and various pets.

In addition to her family, she filled her life with lots of volunteering including serving on the board of the Rosemary Haggar Elementary PTA for 8+ years (becoming a lifetime member), 6 years at the Baylor Scott-White Hospital, and was very active in the National Charity League organization. In addition to being a fabulous cook, throwing amazing parties, shopping for the perfect gifts and ultimate bargains, she found time to play weekly games of Mahjong and monthly games of Pokeno with friends that surrounded her like moths to a flame. She loved a good story, and kept up with her friends with genuine interest. She also was a member of the Temple Shalom family.

She is survived by her husband, Jim, their daughter Courtney with her two grandchildren, Dominic, 6 months, and Sania, 7 years, and their daughter, Jessica, who will be graduating from University of North Texas in December.

The world got just a little bit sadder, and we will all miss her terribly.

Trish’s interment service will be held on Monday, July 3rd, at 2 pm at the Sparkman Hillcrest Memorial Park, 7405 West Northwest Highway, Dallas, TX 75225, for family and friends that would like to attend. Friends may comfort the family after the service at the Clifton home, 5703 Covehaven, Dallas 75252.

On Thursday, July 6th, 3-5 pm, a celebration of Trish’s life will be held at the Clifton home. Let’s toast her and the impact she imparted on all of us.

The family has asked any donations be made to the National Kidney Foundation or American Heart Association.