CAREN CATHERINE CLARA
Caren C. Clara, 80, of Cass City, died Saturday, December 1, 2018 in Covenant, Saginaw following a brief illness. She was born March 16, 1938 in Bay City to Lawrence and Gertrude (Hubbell) Cummings. She married John R. “Jack” Clara on June 25, 1960 in Trinity United Methodist Church of Cass City. He died August 12, 2001.
Caren graduated from Saginaw General Nursing School in 1959 as a registered nurse. She worked for Saginaw General Hospital in the emergency room and later in the University of Michigan Health Center for four years while her husband attended medical school. Caren followed her husband Jack to Japan for his time stationed there as a captain in the military. While in Japan, Caren learned how to make amazing dishes and became a gourmet cook. Caren and Jack became enthralled with the Japanese culture and filled their home with its art and artifacts. She went on to work for Walbro for 24 years, where she started as a nurse and quickly became the Benefits Manager for the entire corporation. This career took her to Mexico, Germany, Japan and all over the country. She was a member of Cass City United Methodist Church. Caren enjoyed attending theatre, concerts and listening to music. In high school she was a cheerleader, part of the team who, along with their young coach Katie Jackson, invented the Red Hawk choo-choo cheer, and in later years she enjoyed playing golf. Known for her fun and feisty spirit, and a fierce loyalty to family and friends, Caren’s personality could light up a room, and she seldom hesitated to speak her mind, more so in her later years.
Caren is survived by her children: Kristin (Daniel) Zemper of Traverse City; Matthew Clara of Lansing; her grandchildren: Gillian Clara, John “Jack” Doerr, Samuel Doerr, Cameron Clara; sisters in law: Ruth Cummings of Bay City; Janet Cummings of Mt. Pleasant; several nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her infant daughter, Ann; her parents; brothers: Lawrence “Gary” Cummings, Clarke Cummings.
Memorial service held 11:00 a.m. Saturday, December 22, 2018 in Cass City United Methodist Church with Rev. Bob Demyanovich officiating. Interment in Elkland Township Cemetery, Cass City. Memorials may be made to the American Heart Association or the Multiple Sclerosis Association. Family and friends may share memories, prayers and stories with the family at www.kranzfuneralhome.com.
Visitation: 10 to 11 a.m. Saturday, December 22, 2018 in Cass City United Methodist Church
Arrangements by
Kranz Funeral Home, Cass City, Michigan
Debra L. Kranz - 989-872-2195
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Caren C. Clara, 80, of Cass City, died Saturday, December 1, 2018 in Covenant, Saginaw following a brief illness. She was born March 16, 1938 in Bay City to Lawrence and Gertrude (Hubbell) Cummings. She married John R. “Jack” Clara on June 25, 1960 in Trinity United Methodist Church of Cass City. He died August 12, 2001.
Caren graduated from Saginaw General Nursing School in 1959 as a registered nurse. She worked for Saginaw General Hospital in the emergency room and later in the University of Michigan Health Center for four years while her husband attended medical school. Caren followed her husband Jack to Japan for his time stationed there as a captain in the military. While in Japan, Caren learned how to make amazing dishes and became a gourmet cook. Caren and Jack became enthralled with the Japanese culture and filled their home with its art and artifacts. She went on to work for Walbro for 24 years, where she started as a nurse and quickly became the Benefits Manager for the entire corporation. This career took her to Mexico, Germany, Japan and all over the country. She was a member of Cass City United Methodist Church. Caren enjoyed attending theatre, concerts and listening to music. In high school she was a cheerleader, part of the team who, along with their young coach Katie Jackson, invented the Red Hawk choo-choo cheer, and in later years she enjoyed playing golf. Known for her fun and feisty spirit, and a fierce loyalty to family and friends, Caren’s personality could light up a room, and she seldom hesitated to speak her mind, more so in her later years.
Caren is survived by her children: Kristin (Daniel) Zemper of Traverse City; Matthew Clara of Lansing; her grandchildren: Gillian Clara, John “Jack” Doerr, Samuel Doerr, Cameron Clara; sisters in law: Ruth Cummings of Bay City; Janet Cummings of Mt. Pleasant; several nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her infant daughter, Ann; her parents; brothers: Lawrence “Gary” Cummings, Clarke Cummings.
Memorial service held 11:00 a.m. Saturday, December 22, 2018 in Cass City United Methodist Church with Rev. Bob Demyanovich officiating. Interment in Elkland Township Cemetery, Cass City. Memorials may be made to the American Heart Association or the Multiple Sclerosis Association. Family and friends may share memories, prayers and stories with the family at www.kranzfuneralhome.com.
Visitation: 10 to 11 a.m. Saturday, December 22, 2018 in Cass City United Methodist Church
Arrangements by
Kranz Funeral Home, Cass City, Michigan
Debra L. Kranz - 989-872-2195
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