Donna E. Clifford, 76, died Nov. 25, 2024, at her home in Woburn MA, after a lengthy battle with cancer. She was the spouse/beloved life partner of the late Rev. Dr. Dorothy Emerson.
Donna was born in Stoughton MA, Dec. 22, 1947. She was the daughter of Ward and Barbara (Batchelder) Clifford. She graduated from Stoughton High School in 1965 and received a B.A. in Philosophy from UMass Amherst in 1970. Donna was a longtime member of the Melrose MA, Unitarian Universalist Church. She was very active in many UU organizations over the years.
Donna and Dorothy shared over 30 happy years together and were legally married in June 2004. They traveled to many places before Dorothy’s sudden passing in May 2019.
Donna worked as a professional financial advisor specializing in socially responsible investments at the company she founded, Rainbow Investment Solutions. She was affiliated with many organizations, including Zonta Club of Medford, Medford Arts Council, NAACP, MUUA and many others.
Donna loved to travel, especially to Provincetown MA, Sedona AZ and Hawaii. She recently enjoyed a wonderful trip to Italy. Her hobbies included photography, hiking, writing poetry, music, reading and art. She loved spending time with her family and many friends and was loved dearly.
Donna is survived by her son, Damian Elrod (Susan) of Michigan, and grandson, Zade Elrod of Michigan. She is survived by siblings: Judy Barrette of Norton MA; Diane (Rich) Rodriguez of Santa Barbara CA; Janet (John) Fahey of Stoughton MA; Joan (Peter) Ouellet of Mashpee MA; Ward (Kristina) Clifford of Hull MA; and Sherri (Kevin) Stone of Bourne MA; as well as many nieces, nephews, uncle and aunt, cousins, dear friends and colleagues. Besides her wife and parents, she was predeceased by her brother-in-law, Robert Barrette.
A Celebration of Life was held Jan. 18, 2025, at the Melrose UU Church. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to either Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center at BIDMC.org; or Melrose UU Church (please make checks to Melrose Unitarian Universalist Church with “in honor of Donna Clifford” on the memo line, 70 West Emerson Street, Melrose MA 02176).