Clare C. Walker Bacon

Dr. Clare C. Walker Bacon, 99, passed away Wednesday, November 4, 2009, at the Wesley Health Care Center in Saratoga Springs. She was born August 10, 1910 in Hartford, Vermont, to parents Arthur and Anna Jaquith Connolly. Dr. Bacon was an educator, writer and traveler. As a young girl, she sang for the soldiers of WWI and pursued her lifelong love of reading and music. She taught music in the public school of Maine for many years, producing operettas, including "The Mikado," and huge outdoor musical pageants. She was also active in directing church choirs and as a soloist. She married Merle Lester Walker, a fellow musician (predeceased), with whom she had two daughters. Dr. Bacon earned her bachelor's and master's degree and later a doctorate in teacher education from NYU. She taught various grade levels, from elementary through college. She served in the Virgin Islands as director of elementary education. While she was the student - teacher coordinator for Michigan State University, she co-authored a book on student teaching. For 13 years, Dr. Bacon taught at the College of Guam in the Pacific, where she met and married Robert E. Bacon, chief in charge of utilities on the island. She traveled around the world twice - once with her 82 year old mother. While in Guam, Dr. Bacon was "The Story Lady" on a weekly radio program. She wrote "The Guam ABC Book" the "Treasure of Nan Madol", and "Childhood Trails". She also wrote many poems, some with illustrations reflecting her love of nature and animals. She wrote short stories and articles for professional magazines. While still teaching at the College of Guam, she and her husband bought an old farm in Vermont and began extensive renovation with an eye on retirement. Later, she turned her creative energy toward producing an impressive array of crocheted animals, which were favorites in specialty shops. She also had her own shop for a time. After the death of her husband, Dr. Bacon and her sister moved to Georgia. She is survived by her daughters, Lavinia A. Walker and Maralee J. Rice; grandchildren, Robert A. Rice and Katherine J. Rice. She had nine great-grandchildren; two nieces, Marbara A. Steeves and Jane T. Kelley; and several other relatives. Sher was predeceased by her sister, Marion F. Gunning; brother, Ralph L. Connolly; and nephew, Glen E. Connolly. The funeral service will be private. Arrangements are by the Townley & Wheeler Funeral Home.