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(News Article) Marsha M. Clere, who found the fun in teaching and conveyed the fun of learning to her second-grade charges, died Thursday in Bay Park Community Hospital. She was 63.
She had Cushing syndrome since 1998, her husband, Steven, said. She retired in 2011 after four decades at Starr Elementary School in Oregon.
"We had a great time," said Elaine Klewer, a teaching colleague. "They were just beginning to read and do things, and they were so excited to go to school. If you can only imagine what it is to hear a kid say, 'I can read.' That's the fun."
The pair devised art projects and led students on field trips. Mrs. Clere invited in guests - someone from Keep Toledo/Lucas County Beautiful, through which she arranged a schoolwide recycling program, and an expert in building a bridge - the Veterans' Glass City Skyway.
Patricia Price, a fourth-grade teacher at Starr, said Mrs. Clere's former students "had sweet memories of lots of different things they did."
Mrs. Clere was a building representative for the Oregon City Federation of Teachers and received its President's Award. After a rigorous program of study, she received certification from the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards and encouraged colleagues to pursue the credential.
She and her husband were among the first members of the Toledo Harbor Lighthouse Preservation Society, of which her sister, Sandy Bihn, is president. The couple solicited donations of goods and services for the silent auction at its annual festival. She also was a member of Lake Erie Waterkeeper and helped raise monarch butterflies at Maumee Bay State Park.
She was born May 23, 1950, to Geraldine and Earl Martin and grew up in Millbury. She was a 1968 graduate of Cardinal Stritch High School. She received a bachelor's degree from Bowling Green State University and a master's from the University of Toledo. She was a member of St. Ignatius Church in Oregon.
Surviving are her husband, Steven Clere, whom she married Feb. 5, 1972; son, Michael; mother, Geraldine Martin-Conley; sister, Sandy Bihn, and a granddaughter.
Services will be at 11 a.m. Saturday in Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church, Martin, Ohio, where visitation is to start at 9 a.m. Arrangements are by the Eggleston Meinert & Pavley Funeral Home, Oregon.
The family suggests tributes to the Toledo Harbor Lighthouse Preservation Society in Oregon.
Contact Blade Staff Writer Mark Zaborney at: [email protected] or 419-724-6182.
23 Entries
I am privileged to have had you as my second grade teacher. Your passion for students was extraordinary and your dedication immeasurable. I genuinely hope I can become even half the educator you always were.
Jenni Bauerschmidt
August 9, 2013
Mrs. Clere was my favorite of all of my daughter's teachers. It was obvious that she thoroughly enjoyed teaching all of her students. I'll always remember the paper mache pumpkins and tissue paper wreaths! Mrs. Clere touched countless lives and will be fondly remembered by all of her students, and their parents.
Crystal Bauerschmidt
July 16, 2013
Oh how I will miss you my "Go to Girl"
You always wore a smile and could make me laugh. You always gave good advice and was filled with much wisdom!
You fought so hard to make it home and I'm very pleased you were able to do that even for just a short time.
Now you are home for good and have your wings. Rest well my dear friend!
Nancy Ward
July 5, 2013
Steve and Marsha's Family
I am so sorry to hear of Marsha's passing, sending my deepest sympathy.
Robin, OPV therapy department
June 25, 2013
June 22----Due to an out of town commitment I was unable to attend the church service. After working in second grade for a number of years with Marsha I was very sorry to hear of her passing.My deepest sympathy to the family at this time.
Genie Waggoner
June 22, 2013
I am so sorry for your loss. Marsha welcomed me so warmly when I started working at Starr. She was a wonderful teacher and friend.
Jill Duwve (Nurse Jill)
June 22, 2013
I am so very sorry to hear of Marsha's passing. I know the Lord will comfort you as much as He is welcoming Marsha home. God's love be with your family.
Linda Walendzak
June 20, 2013
Steve- Dave and I are so sorry for your loss- Marsha was a lovely woman and we know her final months have been difficult. Be comforted by the knowledge that she is safe in God's loving arms, renewed in body and spirit for all eternity in His loving care...Be comforted by the prayers of peace and His loving grace for you and your family...Londa and Dave Burkett
June 20, 2013
My deepest sympathy for the Cler Family. She will be missed. My thoughts and prayers are with the family.
Bianca
June 19, 2013
My deepest sympathies to Marsha's family. We connected through a mutual friend when she left Lake Schools and became a classmate at Stritch. Every memory of her brings a smile.
Jan (Pollauf) Wasserman
June 19, 2013
Mrs. Clere and I had a special bond while my son, Jeremiah, had her in her last year of teaching at Starr Elementary. She was a great woman who cared deeply for her students. My thoughts and prayers go out to her best friend, Mrs. Price, and all of her family and friends. We love you Mrs. Clere!
Courtney Cousino
June 18, 2013
My deepest sympathy to her family. Marsha was a kind and thoughtful person, a wonderful teacher, and someone I always enjoyed talking to.
Dave Habegger
June 17, 2013
Mrs. Clere was a great second grade teacher. A friendly and loving teacher who taught me to love reading. Starr Elementary was lucky to have her for all those years. She will be missed.
Chrissy Slaughterbeck
June 17, 2013
Steve,
Deepest sympathy to you and your family. I have fond memories of Marsha in high school.
Jeff & Sandy Hauter
June 17, 2013
My sympathies are with you and your family. I came to know Marsha through my work in Oregon City Schools. She was a wonderful person who I looked forward to seeing every time I was in the Starr Elementary Building
Debbie Fotoples
June 17, 2013
My husband and I are very sorry for your loss. We both were students at Starr Elementary. Mrs. Clere was one of my favorite teachers, I will never forget her.
Cindy Krieger
June 17, 2013
Steve, You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Herb Garn
June 16, 2013
a beautiful woman who will be missed. Family allow the god of comfort to be with you as the days pass.
June 16, 2013
you will be missed dearly you were a great friend and I enjoyed spending time with you at Starr you always had a good joke for us........
Nancy Berlincourt
June 16, 2013
We are very sorry to hear of Marsha's passing. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Amy Lillibridge
June 16, 2013
Marsha, After our kids had progressed through our school system, whenever we saw you we'd thank you for the care, consideration and education you provided to them. You really were a shining star for others to follow.
You will be missed.
Dr. Robin Swaim
June 16, 2013
Steve & family, so very sorry for your loss.
Ron & Sue Kozina
June 16, 2013
Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one today and always. Marsha was a wonderful teacher and person. I enjoyed helping her from time to time when she was at Starr
Jennifer Wilhelm
June 16, 2013
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