Georganna Schara Clifford was called to return to the Lord April 19, 2024, after bravely enduring a debilitating combination of

neurodegenerative diseases. She was 73 years old.

Georganna was born in Butte, Montana, to Jack and Mardell Schara on October 19, 1950. She spent her childhood with her younger siblings Jodell and Bill in the idyllic Columbia Gardens at the base of the Continental Divide. As the daughter of the first female veterinarian to practice in Idaho, she developed a love for all animals, but horses would hold a special place in her heart all her life. She attended Butte High School before enrolling at the University of Montana in Missoula. There, she was a member of the Kappa Alpha Theta Sorority and graduated in 1972 with a BA in psychology, and later earned an MA in school psychology, leading to work in the Missoula school district. In the late 70s, she met Craig Clifford, and a short time later, Georganna moved with Craig to Los Angeles, where they married in 1978. In L.A., Georganna worked in the real estate business, attained her private pilot's license and instrument rating, and stayed quite busy raising four "high-energy" sons. She was an avid sports mom, even going so far as to don full catcher's gear so that the boys could practice their Little League pitching in the backyard. Georganna was active in the local Catholic parish and volunteered for several years at a juvenile rehabilitation facility, helping troubled youths believe in themselves and turn their lives in a positive direction.

Yearning to raise her family in the Pacific Northwest, Georganna was the impetus to move the family to Spokane, WA in 1991. Here, surrounded by mountains, lakes, and wildlife, the boy's childhood could more closely resemble the upbringing she enjoyed so much in her youth. Georganna loved spending time at her lake cabin outside Sandpoint, Idaho, especially as it allowed her ample opportunity for not only watersports, but also horseback riding with her dear friends at their nearby ranch. She spent time skiing at Schweitzer, where she had gone on one of her first dates with Craig in the 1970s, to recent years where she would join the "Prime Timers" club at a more relaxed pace. She and Craig shared many special moments on scuba diving and ski trips with friends, spending time in the outdoors fishing or bird hunting with their beloved retrievers and traveling to see some of the great sights of the world.

In addition to her family, one of her proudest achievements was accomplishing her lifelong goal of attending law school at Gonzaga University and passing the bar to become a licensed attorney – at the tender age of 58! She met many great friends at Gonzaga, and it only enhanced her love of cheering for the Gonzaga basketball team every winter. She had an enduring thirst for knowledge and truth - and was never afraid of the discipline required in the pursuit of each. She had a deep love of God and was a true disciple of Christ through her Catholic faith. She continuously advocated its traditions, values, and teaching of compassion for others - especially those overlooked by so much of society. She gave generously to those causes she believed in and was not afraid to take stands on issues that others deemed difficult or controversial. She was a model of kindness, love, and courage, and will be sorely missed by all her family and friends.

While she was preceded in death by her parents, Georganna's greatest challenge was enduring the passing of her granddaughter, Savannah Clifford (age 2), and youngest son, John (age 30). She is survived by her husband, Craig; her sons, Ryan (Sarah), Mitchell (Erica), and Drew; and four grandchildren: Mitchell's daughters, Amelia and June, and John's children, Eva and Eli Clifford. She also leaves behind her two siblings and best friends: sister, Jodell (Butch) Allinger, and brother, Bill (Jill) Schara. In lieu of flowers, the family asks those so inclined to make donations to "Family Promise of Spokane," an organization close to Georganna's heart.