Former Flight Attendant Who Founded Charity Organization Killed

In a heartbreaking turn of events, the tight-knit community of Islip, N.Y., is mourning the loss of 68-year-old Eileen Clifford—a woman celebrated for her generous spirit and boundless kindness. Early Thursday morning, February 20, police responded to a call about a gunshot victim at her home, only to discover that Eileen had been fatally shot. Authorities later confirmed that her husband, 73-year-old William Clifford, was responsible for her death before taking his own life in what appears to be a tragic murder-suicide.

Eileen was much more than the circumstances of her passing. A former American Airlines flight attendant, she founded the Long Island chapter of the Kiwi Club—a social charity organization for current and former flight attendants. Her dedication to volunteer work earned her a prestigious service award from former President George W. Bush and a well-deserved induction into the Flight Attendant Hall of Fame.

On her Gun Violence Memorial tribute page, Eileen is fondly remembered as both “vivacious” and “generous.” She once shared on the Kiwi Club website that her fulfilling life was driven by her volunteer efforts and “an engaging life with my dear, wonderful husband Bill.” Her longtime friend, Shelly Wool, expressed her deep sorrow, calling Eileen “the kindest person you could ever meet” and lamenting that her absence leaves an irreplaceable void.