CHAMPLAIN, N.Y. – Rebecca Clifford, 92, of Champlain, N.Y., passed away Friday April 8, 2022 with loving family by her side. Rebecca was born in Fairfield, March 9, 1930, the late daughter of Mable (Crockett) Lawrence and Earl Lawrence Sr.

Rebecca was predeceased by her husband Ralph Clifford; her two daughters Joyce Frye and Janet Hunter; a granddaughter, Brandy Ratcliff; five sisters, Iva Carter, Alma Mower, Priscilla Wing, Olive Chapman, and Ruth Buker, four brothers, Norman Lawrence, Floyd Lawrence, Colby Lawrence, and Melvin Lawrence.

Rebecca is survived by her son, Steven Earl Clifford, and daughter-in-law, Michelle Clifford, her son, Russell Clifford and his partner Maxine Buker; her grandchildren Stacey Boudreau, Matthew Clifford, Kasey Carpenter, Brian Clifford and Benjamin Clifford (Gram loved her visits with you all in New York or in Maine. These visits were very special and made unforgettable memories for her and the family). Rebecca also leaves behind her brother, William “Billy” Lawrence and sister-in-law, Elaine Lawrence, brother, Earl “Butchy” Lawrence and her best friend and sister-in-law, Carol Lawrence.

On Jan. 29, 1949 Rebecca married the love of her life, Ralph Clifford, together they had four beautiful children.

Rebecca loved life, visiting her family and friends singing country music and her favorite gospels at church with her sister, Ruth and brother “Billy” William, and caring for whomever needed her help she loved to stay busy, with all of this being said she also had another great love and that was cooking and she was great at it, just ask anyone she ever cooked or baked for. Because of that it led her to own her own restaurant with one of her life long friends, Ann Maglaris. They met at Bill’s truck stop and went on to own the notorious Eating House in Fairfield. There she worked alongside her two daughters, Joyce and Janet, sisters Iva and Alma.

When you entered the diner it felt like home filled with laughter, family and friends, some new, some old but it was always full you never left hungry or disappointed, that was for sure. She loved you all.

A Graveside service will be held Saturday May 21 in Fairfield at 11 a.m. The family invites family and friends to join them at Governor’s in the BallRoom Hall at 1 p.m. after the service.

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