YARMOUTH — Maxine Ann Clifford, 86, of Yarmouth, died Dec. 21.

She was born March 21, 1928, in Bennington, Vermont, one of four children of Alice (Miller) and Wilbur Keene. When she was 13, the family moved to South Portland and she graduated from South Portland High School in 1946.

After graduation, she worked a year at Porteous, Mitchell & Braun Co., and then studied merchandising at the University of Maine at Orono. While attending UMO, she met Harrison G. Clifford, of Falmouth, and they were married in 1948. The couple lived in several places because of Harrison’s military service and work commitments, but ultimately settled in Yarmouth to raise their four children.

Maxine worked at a local card shop and then for many years at Loring, Short & Harmon before retiring due to illness.

She was a lifelong movie buff and an avid reader, and enjoyed knitting, sewing and a wide range of music. She took a great interest in her children’s education, and encourage each to pursue their own interests. She was known for being even-tempered and respectful, but also for her spontaneous spirit and the love she demonstrated of family, other people and animals.

Clifford was predeceased by her husband in 1984, her two sisters and her brother.

She is survived by her children, Allyson C. Smith and husband, Lindy, of Chebeague Island; Harrison G. Clifford Jr. and wife, Patti, of Florida; Frank A. Clifford and former wife, Ann, and Jeffrey K. Clifford and wife, Dianne, of Kittery Point; 11 grandchildren, Jennifer, Jarrod, Rebecca, Christopher, Josh, Elizabeth, Fiona, Colin, Keara, Sagan and Jeremy; seven great-grandchildren, Ethan, Aaron, Cambell, Brady, John, Eva and Rowan; and many nieces and nephews.

Visitation and a memorial service were held  Jan. 3 at Lindquist Funeral Home, in Yarmouth. Burial will be in the spring in Riverside Cemetery.

For those who wish, donations may be made in Clifford’s memory to the American Diabetes Association, P.O. Box 10310, Portland, ME 04104.

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