Clifton Maurice Luce

WINDHAM – Clifton Maurice Luce, of Windham, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by the love of his family, at the age of 83. Born on Aug. 15, 1942, Cliff lived a life defined by love, generosity, hard work, and an unwavering devotion to those he held dear.

Cliff grew up in Lewiston and spent many of his early years there before he and his beloved wife, Judy, purchased their first home in Windham. Together, Cliff and Judy shared 62 years of marriage – a lifelong partnership defined by devotion, teamwork, and love. In Windham, they built a home and a life together that spanned more than 55 years, filled with family, traditions, and countless memories.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Judy Luce; his daughters Debbie Taylor and her husband, Edward Taylor, and Kai-Su Arnold and her husband, Glen Arnold. He also leaves behind his cherished grandchildren, Jessica Sanderson and her husband, Michael Sanderson, Cole Taylor and his wife, Mallory Taylor, and Samara Maatta and her husband, Brent Maatta. He was a proud and loving great-grandfather to Taylor Sanderson, Benjamin Sanderson, Aidon Maatta, Bella Maatta, and Amelia Maatta. Cliff is also survived by his lifelong best friend, Doug Welsh, who provided steadfast support, care, and companionship for more than 50 years.

Cliff was preceded in death by his mother, Edith Luce; his twin sister, Avis Luce; and his son, Michael Luce. While his family finds comfort in imagining their reunion, his absence leaves a space that can never truly be filled.

To know Cliff was to know kindness. He had an enormous heart and would give the shirt off his back to anyone in need. He worked hard throughout his life and took great pride in providing for his family. He proudly served his country in the United States Navy, carrying with him a quiet sense of duty and commitment that shaped the way he lived and worked.

After returning home from the Navy, he began his career at Sears before moving on to Jordan Marsh, now known as Macy’s. For a time, he owned and operated his own business before finding his professional home at Marden’s Surplus and Salvage. There, he spent the majority of his career as the furniture manager, earning the respect of colleagues and customers alike through his dedication, reliability, and willingness to help others.

Outside of work and for many years, Cliff had a passion for bowling – competing in leagues throughout Portland and Westbrook. Over the years, he won numerous trophies and was especially proud of earning the opportunity to compete in a semi-professional tournament in Las Vegas, Nev.

Cliff also loved food. A good meal brought him genuine happiness, and if there was steak on the table, he was especially content. Truthfully, he never met a meal he didn’t like. Whether gathered around the dinner table with family or enjoying the simple comfort of a favorite dish, food was another way he celebrated life and the people around him.

He found joy in the simple routines of everyday life: mowing the lawn, tending to his tomato plants, sweeping the driveway, and finding any excuse to be outdoors with something to do. He took pride in caring for his home and creating a life centered around the people he loved most.

Nothing, however, brought Cliff more happiness than his family. He adored them fiercely and wholeheartedly. He especially loved Christmas. Year after year, he worked tirelessly to make the holiday magical, delighted not by what he received, but by the joy of watching others open gifts. Seeing the people he loved smile was one of life’s greatest rewards.

Cliff loved life deeply. Even in difficult moments, he continued to smile, finding reasons to laugh, connect, and cherish the time he had. He wasn’t ready to leave this world; he still had more life he wanted to live and more memories he hoped to make. Yet he left this life in the place he loved most – at home, surrounded by the family he had spent a lifetime loving and caring for. The love he gave so freely endures in those who knew him, and the lessons he taught through his example will continue for generations.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to Christina Lannigan, his hospice nurse, whose compassion, kindness, and unwavering support brought comfort not only to Cliff, but to all who loved him. Her gentle care and presence during Cliff’s final days made it possible for him to spend his final moments where he most wanted to be – at home, surrounded by those he loved. His family will always be deeply grateful for the dignity and compassion Christina showed to Cliff and those who stood beside him.

In accordance with Cliff’s wishes, there will be no funeral services. He chose cremation and wished to be laid to rest alongside his son, Michael. A celebration of his life will be held at a later date, where family and friends can gather to share stories, laughter, and memories of a man who loved deeply, worked tirelessly, ate enthusiastically, and gave generously.

The family encourages those who knew Cliff to honor his memory in simple ways: lend a helping hand, spend time with those you love, make the holidays a little more magical, share a good meal, and never miss an opportunity to bring a smile to someone else’s face.

He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered. His family will carry forward the warmth of his laughter, the example of his generosity, and the countless memories made around Christmas trees, dinner tables, and the everyday moments that mattered most. Though he wished for more time, the life Cliff built was rich with love, and that love remains his enduring legacy.