Sister Geraldine Clifford was born June 3, 1931 to Robert and Geraldine (Swallow) Clifford at Manderson, SD 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, NE after a courageous battle with cancer.
Sister Geraldine Clifford entered the convent from Pine Ridge, SD 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 Sister Geraldine received her religious name of Geraldine.
By 1962 Sister Geraldine had taught for several years at St Francis Mission, South Dakota on the Pine Ridge Reservation. She taught the Aspirants in Alliance Nebraska from 1957-1962 were enjoyable these were years for Sister Geraldine Clifford. 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 in St Paul Minnesota and St Mary’s University in San Antonio, TX.
Sister Geraldine was Novice Director and on the Provincial Council for four years.
For one year, 1970-1971, Sr. Geraldine Clifford lived in Redwood City CA 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, MO as Novitiate Director at the Institute of Religious Formation at the St Louis University from 1972-1975. For three months, 1973-1974, she had classes and directed 30-day retreats in Manreso Spain for the IRF. From 1975-1981 Sister Geraldine Clifford was Provincial Minister during this time she lived at the Marycrest Convent and the Queen of Peace Convent. Before moving to Manderson South Dakota on the Pine Ridge Reservation Sister Geraldine was a student at Fordham University, New York, NY. Sister Geraldine moved to Manderson, SD 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. While Sister Geraldine lived at Manderson she would come to visit the Sisters at Marian Residence in Alliance Nebraska give Spiritual Direction for those who wish to go. 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 will be Wednesday, September 6 at 10:00 a.m. at Holy Rosary Catholic Church with Father Matt Koperski officiating. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery. A wake service will be Tuesday at 7:00 p.m. at the church. Online condolences may be left at www.batesgould.com with Bates-Gould Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.