Mary Louise Clift passed away peacefully in Zephyrhills, Florida on the morning of May 13, 2026, at the age of 104.

Louise was born in San Antonio, Florida to parents Mathias and Anna Marie (Ringhoff) Traeger on October 15, 1921.

She attended St. Anthony Catholic School and graduated from Pasco High School. She went on to attend the St. Vincent’s Hospital Nurses Training in 1940. There, she studied to become a registered nurse and worked in hospitals throughout World War II, as well as after the war. She especially enjoyed her rotations as a surgical nurse. When the family moved to San Antonio in 1966, Louise enthusiastically accepted a position as the school nurse at St. Leo College, where her compassionate nature and her generosity with her time made her a very dedicated caregiver. Indeed, she often assisted families in need of nursing expertise in St. Leo and San Antonio until she was no longer physically able to do so.

Louise fell in love with and married Graydon H. Clift, a career Army officer, who was stationed at Camp Blanding prior to shipping out to Europe. As a wife and mother, she embraced baking, gardening, flower arranging, and hosting dinners and parties. Louise and Graydon raised their four children while moving to numerous cities and countries throughout the world. Her eldest son chose a career in the Army, bringing great pride to the family, especially Mom.

Louise was not only a caring RN, mother and grandmother; she allotted much of her time to the San Antonio Founders Garden Club, of which she was a long-time member, and to the Catholic Women’s Club of Saint Anthony of Padua Church. She was a woman of great faith, which gave her strength and comfort up until her passing. Louise was a life-long member of St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church in San Antonio.

Louise was preceded in death by her brother, Fr. Gregory (Valentine) Traeger, OSB; her husband of over sixty years, Graydon Clift; and her son, Stephen Clift.

She is survived by her three sons: Gerald Clift (Carolyn), Richard Clift (Renée), and Gregory Clift; by her grandchildren: Geoffrey Clift (Sarah), Bryan Clift (Sarah), and Michelle Jones (Phillip). Also surviving her are her great grandchildren: Kaitlin Stephens (Steve), Brandon Dockman, Meera Clift, Alexandra Clift, and Katherine Clift and her great, great grandchildren: Mason Dawson and Ava Stephens.