Obituary — Sr. Geraldine Clifford, OSF

Sr. Geraldine Clifford was born June 3, 1931, to Robert and Geraldine (Swallow) Clifford at Manderson on the Pine Ridge Reservation and was given the name of Esther. She was baptized June 9, 1931, and confirmed May 4, 1944 at Holy Rosary Mission, Pine Ridge, SD.

She passed away on August 29, 2023 in Alliance, Nebraska, after a courageous battle with cancer.

Sister Geraldine entered the convent from Pine Ridge in September 1950 at Marycrest, Denver CO. Sr. Geraldine was a candidate and made Temporary Vows August 15, 1953. She made her Final Vows on August 15, 1956 at Marycrest. At this time she received her religious name —Geraldine.

By 1962 Sister Geraldine had taught for several years at St Francis Mission. She taught the aspirants in Alliance, Nebraska from 1957-1962 were enjoyable these were years for her. Sr. Geraldine, was asked to teach for several months at Marycrest in Denver. She then returned to Alliance, Nebraska, and resumed as teacher and Director of the Aspirants. She continued her education with summer sessions at St. Thomas College, St Paul, Minnesota, and St. Mary University, San Antonio, Texas.

Sr. Geraldine was Novice Director and on the Provincial Council for four years.

For one year, 1970-1971, she lived in Redwood City, California, and was Novice Director for the three United States Provinces, Holy Names Province, Sacred Heart Province, Saint Francis Province. Sr. Geraldine lived in St. Louis, Missouri, as Novitiate Director at the Institute of Religious Formation at the St Louis University from 1972-1975. Sister Geraldine moved to Manderson, on Pine Ridge Reservation and built the St. Francis Home for abused and neglected native children. She was director for the Home from 1985-2018 during her time at Manderson Sister Geraldine taught for ten years at the Oglala Lakota College. She also traveled throughout the reservation teaching at college centers. She was Pastoral Minister for the St. Agnes Parish from 1996-2000 when she lived at Manderson. In 2018 Sister Geraldine retired and moved to Marian Residence in Alliance, Nebraska. She had a ministry of prayer. Marian Residence closed in 2022 Sister Geraldine moved to Highland Park Care Center in Alliance, Nebraska, where she continued her prayer ministry.

Funeral services were September 6 at Holy Rosary Catholic Church with Fr. Matt Koperski officiating. Burial is in Calvary Cemetery. Online condolences may be left at www.batesgould.com with Bates-Gould Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.