Clara Jacobs Wachtel

Clara Jacobs Wachtel, age 82, of Boulder, Colorado, passed away on March 12, 2024.

Born in Milford, Connecticut on January 13, 1942 to Paula and Barrett Jacobs, Clara was a friend to all, healer to many, and daughter, sister, wife, mother, aunt, grandmother and great aunt to a very lucky few. She is survived by her husband of 56 years Howard Wachtel; daughter Jill Turner and son-in-law Merle Turner of Breckenridge, Colorado; daughter Karen Wachtel of Denver, Colorado; and grandchildren Zoe Turner and Noah Turner of Boulder, Colorado. She was predeceased by her sister Janet Block and brother-in-law Bartley Block, and in-laws Helene & Harry Leibowitz, but leaves a beloved extended family of cousins, nieces, nephews, grand-nieces and grand-nephews behind.

A dedicated Speech-Language Pathologist, Clara graduated from Penn State University with her undergraduate degree and later earned a Master's Degree from Northwestern University. Her 50+ year career included working at prestigious institutions and culminated at Boulder Memorial Hospital (which eventually joined Boulder Community Hospital). Clara's passion for helping others, especially those with aphasia, was evident throughout her career as she aided those facing brain injury from accidents and strokes learn how to swallow, eat and communicate again.

She took joy in a career dedicated to helping people recover from devastating circumstances, and greater joy in the successes and celebrations of her many loved ones. An extensive world traveler, Clara especially loved her hometown of Milford, her chosen home of Boulder, and anywhere her friends and family were gathered.

Clara's Celebration of Life services will be held in Boulder on May 18th and Barrington, RI on Saturday, June 8th. For more information, please reach out to the family.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Boulder Library Foundation, a cause close to Clara's heart, supporting education and community programs.

Clara will be deeply missed by all who knew her, as she leaves behind a legacy of compassion, dedication, and love.