Bernice Ann Clifton

Bernice Ann (Kwaterski) Clifton

There are some people whose presence simply makes life brighter. Bernice Ann Clifton, known to almost everyone simply as Binnie, was one of those rare people. She possessed a contagious laugh, an infectious sense of humor, an unmistakable sense of style, and a heart that welcomed everyone. To know Binnie was to know kindness, creativity, resilience, unwavering faith, and unconditional love.

Born on November 9, 1929, in the beautiful lakeside community of Bailey's Harbor in Door County, Wisconsin, Binnie was the daughter of Joseph and Ethyl Kwaterski. Growing up in a close-knit family during the Great Depression, she developed the strong work ethic, deep faith, and appreciation for life's simple blessings that would define her throughout her ninety-six years. She graduated from Gibraltar High School in Fish Creek, Wisconsin, in 1947 and carried with her the values of her hometown wherever life led her.

Binnie married the love of her life, Gerald Clifton, affectionately known to many as Gerry, and together they built a family centered on faith, love, and perseverance. Like many families, their journey was not without heartbreak. The greatest came with the loss of their precious daughter, Pam, to leukemia at the tender age of three. Yet even through such profound sorrow, Binnie carried herself with remarkable grace. She often found comfort in remembering Pam's final words to her as she held her in her arms:

"I'm going to Heaven now to be with Jesus, and I will always watch over you.”

Those words remained in Binnie's heart throughout her life, strengthening her unwavering belief that one day they would be reunited in God's eternal embrace.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Gerry; her daughter, Pam; her son, Randall "Randy" Clifton; her cherished Shih Tzu, Chanel; and all of her brothers and sisters: Florian Kwaterski, Ben Kwaterski, Wes Kwaterski, Ethyl "Sis" Highlander, Eleanor Freix, and Arlene Champeau.

She leaves behind a family who adored her: her daughter Rebecca "Becky" Clifton; her daughter Patricia "Pat" Bratton and husband Donald; her son Gerald Clifton Jr., who later became known simply as Steve after years of affectionately being called "Little Bit," and his husband, Rodolfo Magana; and her daughter-in-law, Marilyn Clifton.

She was the proud grandmother of Heather Chapman and her husband, Aaron; Camille De Ca booter and her husband, Tony; and Eric Bratton and his wife, Emily. Nothing brought Binnie greater joy than watching her family grow through the generations. She treasured every moment with her great-grandchildren: Chance and Carissa Clifton, Evan, Ethan, and Evie Bratton, and Jack and Grant Chapman. Also one great-great-grandchild - Trinity Clifton.

Binnie's career reflected both her professionalism and her remarkable gift for connecting with people. She began her career in office administration at Kashmere High School before joining Foley's Department Store, where she spent more than twenty-five years as a respected member of the Estée Lauder cosmetics team. She loved helping people feel beautiful—not simply through makeup, but by making them smile, feel confident, and believe in themselves.

Following retirement, Binnie and Gerry embraced one of their lifelong dreams, traveling throughout the country in their RV and creating treasured memories together until Gerry's passing in 1998. During the next fifteen years, she divided her time between The Woodlands, Texas, and her beloved Door County, Wisconsin, where each summer she reunited with lifelong friends, and the place that would forever be home.

Her Catholic faith was the cornerstone of her life.

From her childhood parish in Door County to Assumption Catholic Church in Houston, where she faithfully served in the Altar Society and supported the parish school attended by her children, Binnie devoted herself to serving both God and her church community. She later became a longtime member of St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church before making St. Simon and Jude Catholic Parish in The Woodlands her spiritual home during the final twenty years of her life.

To describe Binnie simply as artistic would hardly do her justice. She possessed an extraordinary creative spirit. Whether decorating her home, cultivating beautiful gardens, writing heartfelt poems for birthdays and special occasions, or encouraging others to discover their own creativity, she found immense joy in making life more beautiful for everyone around her.

She also believed that life should always be celebrated.

Whether it was a birthday, Christmas, the Super Bowl, a national holiday, or simply an excuse to gather family and friends together, Binnie was ready to host. Her parties became legendary—not because of extravagance, but because everyone who walked through her door felt welcomed, accepted, well-fed, and deeply loved. Her home became a place where laughter filled every room and memories were made that will last for generations.

Binnie possessed an elegance and fashion sense that never faded with age. She believed in presenting your best self, finding beauty in everyday moments, and living with confidence and grace. Yet beneath that elegance was a woman of extraordinary independence and strength. No matter what life placed before her, she met every challenge with courage.

One of Binnie's greatest gifts was making people laugh. She had a wonderful sense of humor and an uncanny ability to lift someone's spirits exactly when they needed it most. She encouraged others to dream big, believe in themselves, and never stop pursuing the things that brought them happiness. Through her handwritten poems, infectious laughter, and genuine love for people, she touched countless lives.

During the final years of her life, Binnie faced some of her greatest physical challenges. They were not easy years, and anyone who knew her understood the courage it took to fight each day. Though confined to her home and eventually to her bed, her spirit, determination, and faith never left her.

One of Binnie's greatest wishes was to remain in her home and not to have to go into a nursing facility. Her wish became a reality through the love and devotion of her family, who walked beside her every step of the journey, allowing her to spend her final years where she most wanted to be—in the comfort of her own home.

Even during her most difficult days, she remained a fighter. That determination had defined her throughout her life, and it never left her.

But if you asked those who knew her best how they would remember Binnie, they would tell you this:

She was strong.

She lived through the Great Depression.

She buried a child.

She buried her husband.

She buried a son.

She outlived every one of her siblings.

She endured years of physical pain.

Yet she kept finding reasons to laugh.

That was Binnie. That is her legacy.

If there was one song that perfectly captured Binnie's philosophy, it was "My Way." She truly lived life her own way—with conviction, dignity, independence, and joy. She never tried to be anyone other than herself, she inspired everyone around her to do the same.

As we say goodbye, we find comfort in imagining the reunion that surely took place in Heaven: Gerry welcoming her home, little Pam running into her arms once again, Randy embracing his mother, Chanel faithfully by her side, and all those who went before her surrounding her with God's eternal love. While our hearts ache with her absence, we rejoice in the blessing of having shared her remarkable life.

Her laughter will forever echo in our memories.

Her love will forever guide our hearts.

Her faith will forever inspire us.

And her legacy will continue to live on in every person fortunate enough to have known her.

"Goodbyes are not forever... they simply mean until we meet again."

Rest peacefully, Mom, Grandma, Great-Grandma, and dear friend.

Until we meet again, we will carry your laughter in our hearts, your strength in our spirits, your faith in our lives, and your love in our family forever.

You truly did it your way. We can only hope to live our lives half as well.