Claranell Wampler Robin

1945 - 2024

Claranell Wampler Robin

February 19, 1945 - January 14, 2024

Fort Worth, Texas - In Loving Memory of Claranell Wampler Robin

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Claranell Wampler Robin (Claire), daughter of the late Robert F. and Marguerite Long Wampler, of Broadway, Virginia. She is survived by a sister, Carolyn Wampler Snow and her husband, Gary Bushong, of Timberville; a nephew, Geoff Snow of Harrisonburg; two step-children, Dietlinde Heilmayr of Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, and Robert Heilmayr of Santa Barbara, California; a step-grandson, Arlo Insco; and cousins on both sides of the family. She is predeceased by her husband Peter Heilmayr of Fort Worth, Texas.

Claranell, aged 78, was a beloved spouse, daughter, sister, step-mother, friend, and high school English teacher. She departed this world on January 14, 2024, leaving behind a legacy of kindness, compassion, patience, and a profound love for literature and the natural world.

Born on February 19, 1945, near Broadway, Virginia, Claranell's deep connection with literature and nature blossomed from an early age. Her childhood explorations on the family orchard and dairy farm-abutting eastern hardwood forests and babbling brooks-ignited a lifelong love for protecting the natural world. This love became a cornerstone of her life, shaping her worldview and influencing her approach to teaching. She attended Mary Washington College in Fredericksburg, where she dove into the world of literature, exploring historical and contemporary pieces and reflecting deeply about their commonalities and hidden life-lessons.

Claranell dedicated 46 years of her life to nurturing young minds as a high school English teacher at Burleson High School and the Fort Worth Country Day School. Her enthusiasm for literature and the written word was infectious. She shared her favorite books with her students, encouraging lively discussions and fostering a love for reading and writing. Claranell's joy came from the shared experience of diving into the written word and watching her students thrive in their college studies and adult lives.

Claranell was also an avid traveler, spending time abroad in Europe and South Africa, where she took classes that deepened her understanding of literature and writing. Claranell was ahead of her time in many ways; she was an independent, kind-hearted, patient, and open-minded soul, who lived her life on her terms and had the rare ability to accept people for who they were.

Claranell was incredibly loving, generous, and patient. She always showed up for big and small life events of family and friends with enthusiasm and support. Claranell devoted the final years of her life to animal care, maintaining her family's farm, and reading literature.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Cat's Cradle Rescue, a non-profit that is close to Claire's passion for animal care.

Cat's Cradle Rescue

PO Box 2128, Harrisonburg, Virginia 22801