Julia Theresa Clifford (née Crowe), 86, of Holmdel, and longtime resident of Middletown, passed away Sept. 20 after a long and graceful battle with cancer.
Julia was the beloved wife of the late William J. Clifford; much loved mother of Donna Sobol (John) of Berkeley Heights, William Clifford (Patti) of Flanders, Michael Clifford (Jackie) of New York, New York and Julie Flores (Felipe) of Long Valley; and the proud grandmother to Gregory, Bryan and Lauren Sobol, Emily, Kristen and Kerri Clifford, Christopher, Brendan and Brianna Flores and granddog Maverick. She loved her family deeply and unconditionally.
Julia was a true believer in her faith and lived her life praying and being kind to all those who came into her life. She was an active member of St. Mary’s Parish in New Monmouth for 57 years, supporting RCIA, volunteering at The Barn and attending Adoration. She was a frequent visitor at San Alphonso Retreat House in Long Branch.
Julia was active in her Cedar Village community, participating in bocce ball, poker night and all the holiday gatherings with her neighborhood friends.
She had a wonderful circle of friends who celebrated every day with her, whether volunteering and attending mass at St. Mary’s, socializing at Cedar Village, meeting at Dunkin’ Donuts, walking in the morning, knitting with the Knit Wits, shopping, going out to lunch or going out to dinner.
Julia was an eternal optimist who viewed each experience life offered as a new gift of wisdom and humility.
Her life was celebrated Sept. 24 at the John F. Pfleger Funeral Home, Middletown. A Mass of Christian Burial was offered Sept. 25 at St. Mary’s Church, Middletown. Burial followed at the Brigadier General William C. Doyle Memorial Cemetery where she was laid to rest with her husband William J. Clifford.
In lieu of flowers, please feel free to make a donation to St. Mary’s Church.
For more information or to send condolences, please visit pflegerfuneralhome.com.
