Clarice J. (Speer) Stewart

Clarice Jean Stewart, 91, of Conneaut, Ohio passed away on October 29, 2021.  She was born in Conneaut on October 14, 1930, the firstborn child of Edgar and Madeline (Slocum) Speer. 

While working at JJ Newberry's in high school, she met Clair W. Stewart when his sister, Helen, introduced the two. They later married and moved to North Kingsville, where they created a family home with five grateful children; John (deceased), Stephen (Laura) of North Kingsville; Paul (Donna) of Naples, FL; Susan (Jeff) Pellone of San Antonio, TX, and Betsy Meier of Kingsville. Clarice is survived by four children, many grandchildren, and great grandchildren, as well as her sister Katherine Davis. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Clair, their son John, and her brother Charles Speer.

As a young wife and mother, Clarice kept home for many years at Moreland Club on the shores of Lake Erie. She continued to return there for family gatherings all of her life. She worked for several years at Carlisle's store and warehouse in Ashtabula. Clarice studied and passed EMT classes and was an active volunteer member of the North Kingsville Rescue Squad. Clarice managed North Kingsville Village Green campgrounds for several years with help from Clair. For a time, Clarice worked in Head Start classrooms and as a kind and compassionate private caretaker.  

In retirement, she and Clair became snowbirds, traveling to Lake Wales, Florida, for the winter months and back to Ohio for the warmer months. They built many lifelong friendships along the way. Upon Clair's death in 1992, she returned home to stay in Conneaut where she lived happily and independently until her death.

Clarice was an active and devoted member of North Kingsville Presbyterian Church for more than 50 years. She loved her church and church family, serving as a deacon for some time and in many other capacities during her time there.  

Clarice enjoyed many years of playing cards and Bonanza with a small group of lasting friends. She explored new places by tour bus for several years. She was excited to travel just about anywhere, especially when family was involved. At 86, she hiked trails to the Cave of the Winds in Niagara Falls with several family members.

Clarice was an avid reader and was grateful for Conneaut and Kingsville Public Libraries. As macular degeneration slowly took her sight, she continued to read using hand-held magnifiers and later developed a love for audible books. In life and in reading, she was always grateful she could still see "a little bit." 

Clarice's smile and generous, encouraging heart were known to many. She was spunky and fun, had a great sense of humor, loved, and was loved deeply. She is missed hugely.

Please join us Sunday June 12th, 2022, from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. to celebrate her life and share memories with family and friends at Waters Catering, 3224 East Center Street, North Kingsville, Ohio.

Clarice will be laid to rest in a private graveside service at East Conneaut Cemetery. 

Light a candle or leave a memory at www.marcyfuneralhome.com. The Marcy Funeral Home and Cremation Center is honored to be entrusted with arrangements.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Clarice J. (Speer) Stewart, please visit our floral store.