From Gilza, in Rio

 
When I knew Steve was coming to Brazil I invited him to stay with us. Beside the pleasure to stay wih him, I had the feeling that I could have a little bit more from Clara through him. In fact, I did. I read everything people write about her and I have had more than I have expected. I have always enjoyed Clara´s company every time I could. I was sorry, very sorry when she is gone.

Judy Smale

Clara Smale

Clara,I believe,if asked would have said that she received in life
most of what she wished for.

The attention of the spotlight was not a part of her nature.However,
she gained quiet recognition for those things that gave her
fulfillment- her skills in the kitchen,the welcoming of guests to
her home and table,and the care of Nat and Laura who flourished
from her consistent nurturing and love.

There were times away from Berkeley including visits to family
members in Dearborn and longer stays in various parts of the
world with Steve.These adventures  she enjoyed but always
I think with the anticipation of returning to her home base in
California.

We miss Clara and will always remember her with love and
affection.    
Judy Smale

Jerri Dihle's Blog

The blog below presents some of the history of Clara, her many siblings, her parents and their ancestors. It was developed and is kept up by her niece, Jeri Dilhe (who helped teach me what a blog is).

http://keepingourfami lyhistoryalive.wordpress.com/

Laura

Ellie Palais

It has been about forty years since I last saw Clara, yet her infectious laugh and winning warm and beautiful smile will forever be imprinted in my memory. It was recently reinforced by the lovely photos of her which were on The "virtual"  blog. Perhaps the moments which meant the most for  me were reading the tributes and memories of Clara with you her family that you generously shared with us her admirerers and her friends. What a remarkable person she was with her gentle strength touching you all in such close and human ways. As a mother I can think of no memorial finer than those shared moments you all have experienced together. What a tribute. Clara's life displayed strength and love of family , friends and  life thru kindness,  intelligence and good humor. She will be missed by so many. Ellie Palais

Lila Fenech

Clara was one of my special high school friends,she stayed at our house in florida for a weekend during one of get togethers She was such fun to be with.Clara was one of the smartest poeple I have ever known but she never tried to impress you she was just Clara our friend. She will be missed by many and our round robin that we used to keep in tough will not be the same.
Lila Fenech

Norma

Clara was my kid sister. Seven years ago our sister Jean sent me a birthday card that says it all:

“A sister is love that you never outgrow.
No matter where our paths may wind
Those childhood days we left behind
Are with me in my heart and mind
As I remember you.”

One of the great memories happened when Clara was about 4 ½ years old. She came home from visiting a neighbor family who was moving that day. She carried a half-grown cat and happily exclaimed, “Look what Mr. Hardy giveded me!” Mom was less than thrilled but couldn’t bring herself to say, “No”…after all, it was a gift. We all learned to live with “Toots.”
Everybody in the family took care of Clara. This included walking her when she was a baby and cried, taking her for a ride in the car to put her to sleep, reading to her when she went to bed, taking her to school, buying her formals when she was in college. Yet she was the least spoiled, least self-centered person you could ever know.
She was outgoing, interested in politics, worked on the high school paper, on the Michigan Daily when in college, and passionate about her beliefs.
Clara was a wonderful sister and a joy to know. She will be greatly missed.

Norma Davis Curtis
July 20, 2011

Clara