LEOMINSTER — Family and friends gathered for a vigil on Sargent Avenue Sunday night in memory of 26-year-old mother Kelsey Clifford, who was found dead on Nov. 11 in Athol.
“Please say a prayer for Kelsey,” said Allison Clifford, Clifford’s mother. “Pray that she’s OK and that she’s happy, and let her know that you’re thinking of her.”
Everyone in attendance gathered in the driveway of a family home and lit candles, beginning the vigil with a prayer. Those who knew Clifford stepped forward and spoke of her kindness and selflessness.
One attendee said Clifford was a positive influence in her life, and was always there for her when she needed someone. “Rest in peace beautiful,” she said.
Another person said, “Our sunshine. Now she’s watching us all in heaven.”
One person spoke about Clifford and his fondest memory of her. “She loved the Wizard of Oz as a little kid and she’d be rocking the ruby red slippers. She was so damn cute in those ruby red slippers and the big blonde ponytails.”
After everyone had spoken, those in attendance raised their candles in memory of Clifford.
“Goodnight Kelsey, we all love you,” said the crowd.
Clifford’s obituary says she was the mother of a young son “whom she adored.” She is also survived by her parents, grandparents and a sister.
Clifford was a 2011 graduate of St. Bernard’s High School, and had also attended schools in the North Middlesex Regional School District for several years, according to her obituary.
The official cause of death is still being determined by the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, but the Northwestern District Attorney’s Office said in a prepared statement that the death “is considered criminal in nature.”
Anyone with information on Clifford’s death is urged to call Athol Police at 978-249-3232.
Clifford’s family has requested that instead of sending flowers, mourners contribute to a fund established for Clifford’s young son. Donations to that fund can be sent care of Allison Clifford to IC Credit Union, 300 Bemis Road, Fitchburg, MA 01420.
