Rita M. Clifford, 90

NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — Rita Mary (Mongeon) Clifford, 90, of North Adams died Monday, March 27, 2017, at North Adams Commons.

She was born in Fitchburg, Mass., on September 13, 1926, daughter of Leonard and Elena (Martel) Mongeon. She attended schools in Winooski, Vt.

Rita was last employed as a waitress at the former Taconic Restaurant in Williamstown for 21 years until her retirement in 1987. Before that, she was a waitress at the Williams Inn and also worked at Sprague Electric Co.

She was a communicant of St. Francis of Assisi Church. She lived in Adams for several years after her marriage and then moved to North Adams. Rita was an active volunteer in the community working at the Spitzer Center; Meals on Wheels program; the Senior Citizens and in day-care at Haskins School. She was a member of the Jollee Circle and enjoyed working with plastic making hats and figurines. She loved flowers and looked forward to springtime.  

She was the widow of William F. Clifford, who died March 10, 1980. They were married on June 13, 1946.

Survivors include one son, Jeffrey Clifford of Goldsboro, N.C.; one daughter, Donna Strange of North Adams; three grandchildren, Melissa Snyder, Perry Clifford and Jeffrey Clifford; two brothers, Robert Mongeon of Cheshire and Leonard "Dickie" Mongeon of Adams; one sister, Claire Vigiliano of North Adams; and nieces and nephews.   

Her son, William F. Clifford Jr., is deceased; and her grandson, Bruce Clifford, is deceased. A brother also died in infancy.

Funeral notice: The funeral for Rita Clifford will be Friday, March 31, 2017, at 2 p.m. at Flynn & Dagnoli-Montagna Home for Funerals, West Chapel, 521 Main St., North Adams. Private burial will be at a later date.

A calling hour will be held Friday from 1 to 2 p.m. at the funeral home. Memorial donations may be made to Childcare of the Berkshires in care of the funeral home.