Mary Louise Clifton Pruden

Mary Louise Clifton Pruden passed away peacefully at home on January 20, 2026, at the age of 97. “Mary Lou” was the devoted wife of George B. Pruden (d. 2000), beloved mother and grandmother to her two adoring daughters, son-in-law and five grandchildren.

Born on September 8, 1928, in Raleigh, North Carolina, Mary Lou was one of five children born to Benjamin and Thelma Atkins Clifton. She grew up in Raleigh, graduated from Needham Broughton High School in 1946 and attended Peace College where she studied English. In 1951, she married the love of her life and the boy next door, George “Buck” Pruden. Their early years took them to Atlanta, Richmond and New York City before settling in Westfield, New Jersey where they raised their daughters. In 1982, they moved to Wilton, CT. They enjoyed nearly 50 years of marriage before Buck’s passing. Mary Lou moved to Washington Crossing, PA in 2003 to be near both daughters and their families.

Mary Lou was a bright light in every room she entered. Her southern charm, grace and enthusiasm are hallmarks by which so many remember her. Mary Lou was the consummate friend to many, a devoted writer of cards and letters, the first to show up with a loaf of pumpkin bread, and an eager host for a friends’ luncheon or simple cup of tea. She loved staying connected by phone with friends both near and far. During Covid years her garage, arranged as a sitting area, was often the gathering place for friends and neighbors.

Mary Lou enjoyed many interests and was involved in numerous organizations. She served as President of The Westfield Service League, volunteered at Meals on Wheels, the Wilton Library, the Wilton Congregational Church, and Thompson Memorial Presbyterian Church where she loved to help with their rummage sales. She played in multiple bridge groups, was a member of Newcomers, P.E.O., and just about any group you could join at Traditions in Washington Crossing. She also loved gardening, visiting museums, watching golf and taking day trips to New York City.

Mary Lou’s greatest joy was her family. She adored her daughters, son-in-law and grandchildren, always looking forward to every celebration and milestone. Her family is so grateful for her steady presence in all their lives, especially while the grandchildren were growing up. She loved attending their sporting and school events and continued to maintain close relationships with each of them throughout her life.

Mary Lou (MomMom) will be dearly missed by her daughters Alison Yearley and Jennifer Cropp (Gregory) and her grandchildren; Tyler Yearley, Benjamin Yearley, Sarah Yearley (Patrick Schlupp), Ryan Cropp (Susan Jiang) and Catherine Cropp (Salvador Falcón). They rejoice in the knowledge that she is together again with her beloved husband (PopPop) in Heaven celebrating eternal life.

A family graveside burial will be held in Raleigh, NC, and a Celebration of Life will be held in March at Thompson Memorial Presbyterian Church.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Thompson Memorial Presbyterian Church at https://tmpc.org/give or Chandler Hall Hospice. Please mark “In memory of Mary Pruden” and send to: Chandler Hall, Philanthropy Office, 99 Barclay Street, Newtown, PA 18940 or visit https://wl.donorperfect.net/weblink/WebLink.aspx?name=E361104&id=1

Brown-Wynne, 300 Saint Mary's Street, Raleigh is serving the Pruden family.