Obituary of Irene Clifford

Irene E. Clifford, a loving wife, mother, daughter and sister passed away after a brief battle with cancer. She was only 55 years old. Irene was born in Winchester and grew up in Stoneham. She was a 1978 graduate of Stoneham High School. She then went to Lawrence General School of Nursing and Boston State College. She had worked as a night manager of CSP at the Lahey Clinic Medical Center and Melrose Wakefield Hospital. She was a talented chef and found her way to Sammy’s Deli where she spent 20 years affectionately known as the “Soup Lady”. She would make a wide variety of homemade soups that brought in customers from all over to enjoy her culinary creations. Sammy’s was more than just a job for Irene, it was her second family. She was already best friends with the owner’s June and Carl, but became part of their working family where the pace was demanding, but the friendship, comradery, and goodwill between the employees and longtime loyal customers always brought a sense of warmth and belonging between all. The hardest thing for her many loyal followers was that soup wasn’t on the menu during the spring and summer and they were forced to count down the days until her delicious soups were offered in the Fall. Irene was a person of family. She was the devoted wife to her husband Bob for 29 years. They made their home in Wilmington and raised their 2 sons. Hampton Beach was a special place for Irene. She shared so many wonderful memories with her family growing up in Hampton. The rule in the family was if you got a summer job in Hampton – you got to stay there for the summer! She a supportive mother, encouraging her boys in their education, sports, and life decisions. She was always in the stands or sidelines rooting for her boys and their friends. She enjoyed going to concerts and simply enjoying life with her family and friends. She was a kind and giving woman. Her family deeply feels that an enduring tribute to Irene would be if her family, friends, and customers would continue to spread her spirit by doing random acts of kindness in her memory. Her thoughtfulness, love, and warmth where the basic ingredients to how she lived her life. Irene was the beloved wife of Robert D. Clifford. She was the loving mother of Ryan and Connor Clifford of Wilmington. Beloved daughter of Marjorie (Gallagher) Fayle of Stoneham and the late William H. Fayle, Jr. Sister of James Fayle & his wife Patrice of Cheshire, CT, George Fayle & his wife Trish of Auburndale, Joanne Merritt & her husband Brian of Tewksbury, and Robert Fayle & his Fiancée Jessica Jones of Rocky Hill, CT and the late Judith Ann Fayle. Daughter-in-law of Joanne Clifford of Somerville & late Donald Clifford. Sister-in-law of Michelle Clifford of Somerville and Donna Clifford of SC. Also survived by many aunts, uncles, cousins, and her “Sammy’s Family”. A celebration of Irene’s life will be held at the Edward V. Sullivan Funeral Home, 43 Winn St., Burlington (Exit 34 off Rt. 128, Woburn side) on Saturday, November 28 from 2-6 p.m. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited. In lieu of flowers, if you could perform a random act of kindness in Irene’s memory would be deeply appreciated.