Rochester, New York – Passed away peacefully with her family at her side on June 5, 2019 at 89 years young. Predeceased by her parents, Jenny and Fred Van Sickle, her two sisters, Elizabeth and Dorcas; a niece, Esther; her son-in-law, Wayne Romano, and all of her husbands!
Clara is survived by her daughter, Janet Romano of Gates; her son, Edward S. Jones (Kim) of Frederick, MD; a granddaughter and 1 great-granddaughter, of Silver Springs, MD. Clara was born in Providence, R.I. Her father was an (Free Methodist) Evangelist who built many churches in Massachusetts. Then they moved to Culpepper, VA, where Clara recalled many happy childhood memories. From there the family moved and settled in Rockville, MD and put down roots! Her three nieces and a nephew were born and raised in Rockville.
Some people may remember that Clara worked at Dairy Lea Dairy. That was where she befriended Rosario “Hogan” Romano… from that connection the Romano’s became the large, loving family that Janet married into. She then gained 4 more grandchildren and 10 more great grandchildren! (Her Rochester great-grandchildren loved calling her “Gramma-Great”!)
Clara had an entrepreneurial spirit. At one time she owned and operated a Security Guard business by the name Van Guard Security, where she used her previous experience working at Doyle Detective Agency to model her own company. (One of her employees became a fast family friend and is now working for the RPD!)
After many profitable years of this, she became a cab driver at the Rochester International Airport – one of the few women to drive a cab during that time! She began to have repeat customers who called ahead to reserve their transportation in her immaculate Cadillac!!
Being a “people person” all her life, she loved to tell stories and jokes, and be the center of entertainment! She could play “boogie-woogie” music on the piano, organ or keyboard – all by ear. She and some friends used to take that her keyboard to various hospitals and nursing facilities to sing and minister to “shut-ins”. It was one of her favorite things to do to “give back”.
Her family will receive friends Thursday, June 13, 2019 at 7 pm at Open Door Baptist Church, 350 Scottsville-Chili Rd.; Churchville, NY 14428.
Condolences and prayers for Clara’s family, from the Diesel’s. Clara was a very special woman and am thankful to have known her. She was truly one of a kind!! Rest easy Clara – we know you’re at peace with our Lord and Savior – until we meet again!!! ❤️🙌🙏
Clara will be extremely missed. Many of us have known her for the last 35-40 years.She was forsure a people person. She was a very loving fiesty, bubbly, classy, sweet lady. She loved the Lord soo much. And she is now in heaven with him enjoying herself. I always see her sweet loving smile everytime I think of her..
I am very blessed to of known her..
Love you always Clara andlovvking forward to seeing you when I get to heaven..
Kathy Newey
Our sympathies to Clara’s family. She was definitely one of a kind. She was full of life and loved all she cane in contact with. Once she became saved there was no looking back for Clara. She had many loved ones and friends who were like family to her. We will cherish our memories of Clara. Janet and Ed we are so sorry for your loss but she’s busy singing and dancing all over Heaven. May you find comfort in this. Psalms 116:15 “Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints” Til we meet again Clara. Give all those ODBC saints a great big hug from us. Pastor Tom and Chat
Clara was a wonderful soul that was full of life. I never knew her to let anything slow her down! She will be greatly missed by her earthly friends and family! Until we meet again in paradise, “see you later”
I met Clara at Open Door Baptist Church right after I got saved 36 years ago! She was so sweet to me. She was always friendly, sweet and dressed for success! Her hair, make up and clothes were always beautiful – just like her spirit!
Many in the Enright family knew her and will miss her…Great friend toHelen Enright for years as they worked together at Dairylea We all came to know and love her. She will be greatly missed.
Marsha Enright