District 88 remembers Addison Trail special education teacher

It is with great sadness District 88 shares the news that Addison Trail special education teacher Elizabeth Clifford has passed away. Clifford battled breast cancer for several years and passed away with her family by her side on May 4.

Clifford began her career in education as an English teacher more than 27 years ago. In 2003, she joined the District 88 staff at Addison Trail and taught in specialized programs such as SED88 and ACHIEVE for the past 13 years, where she made a difference on a daily basis for students with special needs. Clifford’s dedication to her students and endless compassion will be missed.

“Elizabeth was passionate about giving students every opportunity to learn – both academically and emotionally,” said Vicki Ream, Addison Trail special education teacher. “She had a particular gift for developing positive relationships with kids by offering them opportunities that extended beyond the classroom such as community service and volunteering. She integrated hands-on projects, art and culture into her instruction, as well as many extracurricular activities.”

During her years at Addison Trail, Clifford was involved in the school’s Go Pink or Go Home initiative, which raises money for breast cancer awareness and research; helped lead the school’s L.A.D.I.E.S group, which provides support and ongoing motivational clinics for female students in an effort to help members gain confidence and realize their true potential; and assisted with Addison Trail’s annual Pay It Forward event, which welcomes incoming freshmen to the school.

“Elizabeth had a heart of gold and a willingness to reach every single student,” said Lily De La Torre, Addison Trail English teacher. “I had the privilege of working with Elizabeth for four years in the ACHIEVE program at Addison Trail. As a first-year teacher, she mentored me with her caring and patient character. She taught me to be an intuitive teacher, as well as how to meet the social and emotional needs of students. Her spirit will be forever present in the classroom.”

Outside of Addison Trail, Clifford enjoyed helping at her church and taught religious education for 15 years. She was married for 25 years to Jeff and was very involved with the activities of her two daughters, Sara and Katy.

“Elizabeth was a very caring, compassionate and charitable person,” Ream said. “She enjoyed seeing others grow, never turned down a challenge and had endless ideas to share. She will be missed by many.”

Services for Clifford will take place on June 4 at St. Joan of Arc, 820 Division St. in Lisle. The mass will begin at 10 a.m., and there will be a reception in another room at the church after the mass.