The Marian Catholic High School community is grieving the sudden loss of Ms. Jennifer Clifford ’88, a beloved alumna, teacher, and administrator whose impact spanned nearly two decades at the Chicago Heights institution. Clifford, who served as a Science teacher and later as Dean of Women from 2004 to 2022, passed away unexpectedly, leaving behind a legacy of service, compassion, and deep devotion to her students and colleagues.
Born and raised in Illinois, Clifford graduated from Marian Catholic in 1988 before continuing her studies in science and education. Her decision to return to her alma mater as an educator was a reflection of her lifelong dedication to Catholic education and her desire to give back to the school that shaped her formative years.
In the classroom, Clifford was known for her enthusiasm for science, her ability to make complex topics accessible, and her belief in every student’s potential. Former students recall her as both challenging and encouraging—an educator who pushed them to succeed while offering unwavering support. “She made me believe I could achieve more than I ever thought possible,” one alum shared.
Her leadership extended beyond the classroom. As Dean of Women, Clifford was a steady and compassionate presence, offering guidance and mentorship to countless young women navigating the challenges of high school and adolescence. Her colleagues remember her as a professional who carried both authority and empathy, balancing discipline with care in a way that reflected her deep commitment to Marian Catholic’s mission of nurturing the whole person.
Clifford’s dedication did not go unnoticed. Over her years of service, she was widely respected by faculty, staff, and parents alike, admired for her integrity, her warmth, and her unwavering commitment to fostering a supportive community. Many described her as a pillar of Marian Catholic—someone whose influence extended far beyond the academic or administrative roles she held.
The Marian Catholic community has expressed profound sorrow at her loss. In a statement, school officials wrote: “Ms. Clifford touched the lives of countless students and colleagues with her dedication, kindness, and unwavering commitment to our school’s mission. She will be deeply missed, but her legacy will live on in the lives she shaped.”
Outside of her professional life, Clifford was deeply connected to her family and friends, who remember her as loving, loyal, and always willing to lend a hand or listening ear. Her sudden passing has left an irreplaceable void in their lives, but they take comfort in the outpouring of love from those who knew her through Marian Catholic and beyond.
Funeral arrangements have not yet been announced. In the meantime, Marian Catholic is inviting alumni, current students, and community members to share tributes and memories of Clifford as a way to honor her remarkable life of service. Counseling and pastoral support are also being made available to students and staff as they navigate this loss together.
Though gone too soon, Jennifer Clifford’s legacy lives on—in the thousands of students she taught, the young women she guided, the colleagues she worked alongside, and the community she helped strengthen. She will be remembered always as a teacher, leader, mentor, and friend whose light continues to shine in the Marian Catholic family.