1952 – 2015

AUBURN —  Former Army Capt. Wilma Jean (Clifford-Johnson) Rector of Hanover completed life’s journey Sunday, March 1, at the Androscoggin Hospice House, after battling multiple myeloma cancer for 16 years. Wilma was the age of 62 and 10 months old.

Born to Ruby and Leonard Clifford on April 19, 1952, in Woodsville, N.H., Wilma’s love was abounding and known to all who had interactions with her. God, family and country were always her focus, and in that order, and there was always order.

Wilma graduated from Longmont High School in Colorado in 1970, having been in the National Honor Society and ranking ninth out of 569 students, and subsequently received a scholarship to the Walter Reed Army Nursing program. Wilma resigned her commission in 1977 and returned to Colorado with her family.

Wilma later moved to Brunswick with her daughter in 1988, where she later met her husband, Paul James Rector. They married on Sept. 13, 1990, and were blessed with nearly 25 years of marriage together.

Wilma is survived by her husband, James Rector; her ex-husband, James H. Johnson and their daughter, Leora Lyn Johnson; her mother, Ruby Kulpa; her brother, Frank Clifford; her brother, David Clifford; her sister, Patricia Emmer, and their families; as well as numerous extended family members throughout the continental United States.

Wilma was predeceased by her father, Leonard S. Clifford; her older sister, Joanne; her beloved grandparents; and many other family members.

She and her family were so blessed for the wonderful support and care she received throughout her illness. Wilma left a beautiful impression on all those who met her. She will be missed, but we’ll see her on the other side, and that was her comfort and joy in her final moments.

Condolences may be expressed at www.funeralalternatives.net.