Theodora “Teddy” Bowers Clifford, 79, a beloved wife, mother and friend, passed away peacefully May 5, 2026 at Riverview Medical Center, Red Bank. She was a woman of remarkable warmth, wit and grace, whose curiosity about the world and genuine interest in the people around her left a lasting impression on all who knew her.
Teddy was born in Newark to John Hamilton and Theodora (Scott) Bowers. She was raised in Rumson and received her early education at Holy Cross School in Rumson and Eden Hall in Philadelphia before earning her degree from Georgetown University’s School of Foreign Service – a fitting foundation for a woman who would spend her life engaging the world with intellect and open-hearted curiosity.
She married and raised four daughters and one son in Fair Haven, a community she deeply loved and called home for decades. Her children were among her greatest sources of pride, and she poured into them the same energy and spirit that defined everything she did. Teddy raised her children to think freely, live independently, love learning and to honor the dignity of every person they encounter.
Teddy was an exceptional tennis player, earning the distinction of Club Champion in both singles and doubles at the Seabright Lawn Tennis & Cricket Club. Her competitive drive was matched only by her love of the game, and she brought that same spirited tenacity to the bridge table when she took up the game later in life. She was a formidable opponent – and (mostly) a gracious one.
Beyond sport, Teddy was a lover of music and literature, she had a mischievous sense of humor and fun. Her wit was playful and warm, and she had a gift for making everyone feel like they were in on the joke. Teddy took a genuine interest in everyone she met, asking questions, listening closely, and remembering the answers. To spend time with Teddy was to feel both thoroughly entertained and genuinely liked.
In her years with her husband Greg, Teddy found a partner who matched her in both ambition and craft. Together, the two built a second chapter centered on something deeply tangible: the homes of Fair Haven. Teddy’s drive and gift for persuasion complemented Greg’s skill as a fine woodworker, and their partnership resulted in the building and thoughtful refurbishment of several properties in the town’s historic district. The homes they touched stand as a quiet, lasting testament to what they created together, more beautiful for having passed through their hands.
Teddy was a cherished member of the Seabright Beach Club and a former member of the Seabright Lawn Tennis & Cricket Club and Rumson Country Club.
She is survived by her loving husband of 29 years, Greg Clifford; four of her children, Theodora (Scott) McGavin, Courtney (Jamie) Winters, Riley McCormick Ruizand James McCormick (Seth Flaxman); a son-in-law, Christopher Kelty; and seven grandchildren, Mary Claire, Patrick and Brian Kelty, James and John Winters, Theodore Ruiz and Eva Scott Flaxman-McCormick. Also surviving are her brothers, John H. Bowers Jr. and his wife Joan, and Michael Bowers and her nieces Nicola Bowers Metzheiser and Samantha Bowers Crader and their spouses.
She was predeceased by her parents, John and Theodora Bowers; her brother, David Scott Bowers; and her beloved daughter, Sarah (Scotty) Kelty.
Family and friends are welcome to visit from 4 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, May 20, at Thompson Memorial Home, 310 Broad St., Red Bank. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. May 21 at Holy Cross Church, 30 Ward Ave., Rumson, followed by a reception at the Rumson Country Club.
The family requests that in lieu of flowers, a contribution in memory of Teddy may be made to the Hackensack Meridian Riverview Medical Center Foundation at givehmh.org/riverview or by mail at 1 Wellbrook Place, Iselin, NJ 08830.
Teddy Clifford lived with great love and rare grace. She will be deeply missed.
The article originally appeared in the May 14 – 20, 2026 print edition of The Two River Times.
