Susan Clifton

Susan Clifton

June 14, 1949 - December 24, 2025

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Obituary

Susan C. Clifton, 76, of Madison, WI passed away peacefully at Agrace Hospice in Fitchburg, WI on December 24, 2025, after a several year journey with Alzheimer's disease.

Susan was born in Dodgeville, WI to the late Clayton and Lois (Carter) Clifton on June 14, 1949. She is survived by her sister Sarah Allen and brother-in-law David Allen, nephew and nieces Matt Allen, Mandy Young, and Megan Allen and their families.

Susan grew up in Cobb. After graduation from Iowa-Grant High School, Susan attended Wheaton College in Wheaton, IL and got her bachelor's degree in French. She taught elementary and high school English and French for several years in Illinois. She also worked for a year at a missionary children's hostel in Zaire.

In January of 1981 , Susan went to France with Greater Europe Mission and served for almost 38 years in the Paris region. Initially she led Bible study groups and organized outreach teas, conferences and retreats for women. After getting a master's degree in clinical psychology, she broadened her ministry to include teaching in two different Bible Schools, counseling students at a seminary near Paris, helping start a church in the area, and working with a French-wide national group focused on church planting. Over these years she counseled students, pastors, leaders, and couples as they prepared to minister to others.

Susan moved back to the US in the fall of 2018. She settled in Illinois for three years before moving to the Madison area to be closer to family as her Alzheimer's disease advanced and she needed more care. Susan was well cared for at Drumlin Reserve Assisted Living and Memory Care in Cottage Grove and briefly by Agrace Hospice as she prepared to move to her forever home

Susan will be greatly missed by friends from all over the world. She had a huge influence on the lives of many people, and she spread joy and God's love to all those she met.

There will be a celebration of Susan's life in Madison sometime in late spring.

In remembrance of Susan's life, the family suggests that charitable donations be made to the Alzheimer's Association or to Agrace Hospice.

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P
Parmentier
Friend •
Tu vas nous manquer notre grand soeur en jesus je pense au tiens aussi bisous maryline parmentier🌹🙏
CT
Caroline Teran
Friend •
We’re a French family all born again through her ministry. It was a glorious day when I visited her in her apartment outside Paris. Susan had and still has a beautiful personality warm and kind. We’ll see her again in heaven and have fun again!!!
LC
Louise Campbell
Friend •
Susan was a dear friend and it was a delight to follow her path of ministry. I admired her wonderful adaptability to living in France and her commitment to sharing the transforming love of Jesus. I once visited her in her tiny hometown in Wisconsin, and when later during a visit with her in France she met us at the train station and drove right through the city including around the Arc de Triomphe to her apartment north of the city I marveled at the contrast. Susan was such a wonderful host, and great fun to be around. I was blessed with her friendship over the years. My sympathy to Sarah and family, who so lovingly cared for her these past years.
JM
Jim Munn
Friend •
Susan and I were fellow students in a French literature class at Wheaton College. Good memories! What a faithful disciple of the Lord Jesus Christ!
HJ
HALDEMANN Christine & Joel
Friend •
We have so many memories of Susan… she was a friend we could confide in, who gave us so much through her presence and advice. She lived with us for over a year, and it will remain an extraordinary memory for us and our children, as she blended so seamlessly into our family. We remember those precious moments of sharing when we were finding our way as parents with our teenagers. Her advice is so fruitful today. Thank you, Susan! Our deepest condolences to Sarah, David, and your children. - Chrisitine & Joël
P
Patty
Friend •
Susan was like a big sister to me. When I was 11 I attended Bible camp. I was extremely homesick, and Susan took me under her wing and really was the big sister. She will be greatly missed. I loved to hear her sing as she had the most beautiful voice. My condolences to Sarah and the family.

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