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Clara Padfield Obituary
Clara Anne Padfield, 87, of Bethlehem, passed away Sunday, July 8, 2012, in the Visiting Nurse Association of St. Lukes Hospice House. Born in St. Louis, MO, she was a daughter of the late William T. and Violet M. (Hillig) Dettmann. Her husband, Ralph C. Padfield, passed away on July 9, 2005. While at Cleveland High School, Clara Anne was a member of the National Honor Society from 1939 until she graduated in 1943. The Padfields moved to Bethlehem in 1953, when Ralph was hired by Bethlehem Steel Research. Clare Anne taught in elementary schools, became active in the Bethlehem Garden Club and was a board member of the Greater Lehigh Valley Girl Scout Council from 1960-1964. Both Clara Anne and Ralph were members of Christ Church - United Church of Christ, Bethlehem. Survivors: Her loving family, son, Randy Padfield of Bethlehem Twp.; daughter, Rev. Kim Urbanik of Denville, NJ; two brothers, Theodore and William Dettmann, and sister, Joyce Schubert, all of St. Louis; five grandchildren, Heitha Beane, Dirk and Tommy Padfield, Luke and Mark Urbanik; and five great grandchildren, Richie and Nia Beane and Lila, Liam and Coral Padfield. Services: 11 a.m., Wednesday, July 18, 2012, in Christ Church - United Church of Christ, 75 E. Market Street, Bethlehem. Friends will be received from 10 a.m. until service time. Entombment will be in Bethlehem Memorial Park. Arrangements are with the Schmidt Funeral Home, Nazareth. Online condolences may be made at www.schmidtfuneralhomepc.com Contributions: May be made in Clara Annes name to the Alzheimer's Association, 399 Market Street, Suite 102, Philadelphia, PA 19106
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Memories and Condolences
for Clara Padfield
Sponsored by Her Loving Daughter, Rev. Kim Padfield Urbanik.
Kim P Urbanik
July 7, 2025
Hi Mom, I'm thinking of you and missing you quite often these days. Right now, I am thinking of all the costumes you showed me how to create for my dolls, my friends, and my Halloween birthdays, plus years in the Ballet Guild of the Lehigh Valley, and Christian Drama School of New Jersey. I remember all the costumes you made for your ballroom dance group with Dad, and my college events. Right now, I am directing the play "God's Flood" again for Christian Drama School's Summer Drama Camp. You came to see Mark and Luke when they were children in "God's Flood" - the Noah play happened in 2004, and again 2011. I updated the play again in 2017 and now again in 2024. Even though I am 61 years old now, I still feel like you and Dad are watching and guiding my hands and feet with new carpentry and costume ideas for the Christian Drama School , Vacation Bible School, and Drama Camp shows.
Mom, I was only 24 years old when you helped me make the costumes for the first play I directed at the Community Church of Mountain Lakes in 1991. What am I thinking? You and Dad helped me do all those shows in the backyard with Ruthie Erickson - and the prom decorations in 1980 and 1981. Mom, you and Dad are woven throughout my life and everything I do every day - even when I mulch the flowerbed and cut the lawn!
Thank you for giving me the best life ever - and for making me still feel your love all around me, every day, in all I hope to do. I love you, mom. I love you so much!!!
Oh, and Dad's sailboat is currently and temporarily in the yard instead of the garage. I was telling Luke and Mark how we would sail Dad's boat on Arrowhead Lake in the Poconos. I had to bring all the CDS costumes and props home - to get them out of two Public Storage Rooms. That's why a lot of CDS things are currently my garage. I wish you were here with me now, I miss you so much. I think we would be having a lot of fun! Love, love, love you mom, Kim
George Kanuck
July 7, 2022
I could never forget Clara, a first class lady in every way.
Pam Mertz Anger
July 7, 2021
I´ll never forget her.
A sample of somthing as sweet as you.
Nia Beane
December 26, 2012
You were sweeter than the sweetest thing I could ever imagine.My best Great-Grandmother.Thank you for loving me as a Great-Grandaughter.I wish I could spend unlimited days with you,and give you the best.I loved the way you encouraged me to do what I do now.Greatest wishes for you!!!!
Pam Anger
December 8, 2012
Kim, Randy, & family,
I recently learned of your mother's passing and was deeply saddened. She was indeed a class act. Your parents and mine were such good friends. I have many fond memories of her...She gave me a wrist corsage with a sugar cube on it for my "sweet 16". I recently found the pictures of the lovely bridal shower she gave for me, complete with umbrella! I was so grateful to her for helping me to pull off the surprise 50th wedding ceremony at Christ Church for my parents, where she met us at the door and had roses for Mom to carry down the aisle, and Kim officiated! I also remember babysitting for you, Kim :). She will be missed but never forgotten.
It's a coincidence that your father and my mother both died in 2005; your mother and my father both died in 2012. I'm sure they're having a grand time in Heaven. God Bless.
Kim and Mom, Easter 2012
Kim Padfield Urbanik
September 23, 2012
Dear Loved Ones and Beloved Friends,
Randy and I are so very grateful to you for the many ways you have reached out to us. Your words about Mom make me smile and bring tears to my eyes. I am still deeply grieving the loss and expecting Mom to call me at any moment. I am waiting for her to tell me about the food in Heaven and how she played her last hand of bridge. I suspect she is somewhere dancing with Dad. I am grateful to God for the great love and friendship you all shared with Mom and the good times you have mentioned in this guest book. I am going to make an effort to communicate with all of you on her behalf. If you would like to send your mailing address, please write to me at 258 Morris Ave, Denville, NJ 07834. May God bless you all.
Much love,
Kim
Randy Padfield
July 20, 2012
Dear family members and friends of my mother,
Thank you all for the kind words and thoughts you have expressed in this guest book and in the cards and emails you have sent, and by those of you who were able to attend her funeral on July 18. It is most gratifying to my sister and me that so many people think so highly of our mother, as we do, too.
I was made aware of some things in her obituary. Omitted was her graduation from Harris Teachers College in St. Louis with a bachelor's degree in education and the fact that donations to the Alzheimer's Association are in her name "in loving memory of her husband Ralph."
Thanks again for all your loving expressions of sympathy.
July 18, 2012
Dear Kim and Randy, Peg and I were so sorry to learn of Clara Anne's passing. We were unable to get to Bethlehem for the service, but know that our prayers are with you. We invited Clara Anne to join us for dinner at the Hotel Bethlehem along with many of our Bethlehem Friends about a year ago. Clara Anne jioned us and we had a wonderful evening reliving those good times together. Love, Bill and Peg Hitzrot
Kathryn Klein
July 17, 2012
Kim,Randy and Family,
Your mother was the epitome of style and grace. I remember her walking into Christ Church with you, Kim, all dressed up and classy. Our Garden Club years were memorable, then serving on the Ballet Guild Board with her and being entertained after ballet performances. I shall never forget the time we dressed in our nightwear and celebrated the marriage of Diana and Charles at 5:00 A.M. along with our beloved Marjorie Fink. As well, our daughters, will always remember the grand times at her afternoon swimming parties.
I send love and sympathy to you, her wonderful family.
Joanne Barrett
July 17, 2012
Kim and Randy,
Your mother was a role model for me when I was a child. She had such class and style. When we were neighbors on Jennings Street, she would have parties and invite kids too (unheard of in the early 1960's) and she treated everyone with respect and dignity, even children. Her decorating style was inspirational to me. She loved beauty in all its forms and was sure to surround her world with it. She was the first woman I wanted to be like.
I am so sorry for your loss. She was a beautiful woman.
July 16, 2012
Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one today and always.
Ruth Bethmann
July 16, 2012
Dearest Kim and Randy,
Your mother was a bigger than life model for me as I was growing up. Her style and decorating sense influenced me in many way and I can still hear her share her positive thoughts on my new home and baby. We shared so many great times together which I will always look back fondly upon. She has left her mark upon my heart so I will never forget her or your dad. My prayers for healing and wholeness are raised for you and your family during the difficult time.
Adele and Edwin Erickson
July 16, 2012
Dear Randy and Kim,
Your mother was a dear friend for over 50 years. We laughed, cried and shared our defeats and joys together. She always had a way with entertaining and making everyone feel special. Our families shared many fun times together especially charades nights. I will miss her style and flair very much. But most of all I will miss the close friend I have come to love and cherish.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
Carol Barrett
July 16, 2012
Dear Kim and Randy,
Your mom was a role model for me when I was a teen.She was beautiful inside and out.She was there when your dad taught my sister Lynn and me to ski. She looked after me when my parents took a trip. You are in my thoughts and prayers, and your mom lives on in my heart.With deepest sympathy,
Ryan Beller
July 14, 2012
Tom and family,
I'm so sorry for your loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
July 14, 2012
Very sorry to hear of Aunt Clara Anne's passing her family will be in our prayers Tad,Chris,Justin, and Kaitlin Dettmann
John and Rosemary Kaniuk
July 14, 2012
She will be missed by all. Clara Anne and Ralph were special people and we have memories that we treasure of them.
John Sotzing
July 14, 2012
Dear Randy, and Kim,
No bond is as great as that between a parent and child. My deepest condolences are with you as you grieve.
Carol Sule
July 13, 2012
Deepest Sympathy to the entire family. Sorry to hear of Mrs. Padfields passing.
July 13, 2012
My sincere condolences to Mrs. Padfield's family. I am sorry to hear of her passing, as it was such a pleasure to have known her. I always had such great conversations with her, especially when she talked about her children and grandchildren, she was so proud of them.
July 13, 2012
We met Clara Anne and Ralph on our move in day to the neighborhood. We were greeted with lemonade and an offer to use the pool. What wonderful neighbors and friends they were. She will be missed by many and greeted by our Lord, and Savior with a Well done, good and faithful servant.
Our condolences to the family.
Carol and Jim VanA
July 13, 2012
Our deepest sympathies to the family. As a young upstart at Bethlehem, I had the pleasure of working with Ralph and knew Claira Anne socially. Both were very gracious individuals and will be missed!
Denny and Jeanne Balla
Louisville, KY
Jan Muzyczka
July 13, 2012
Clara was one of the first people I met in Bethlehem when I came 25 years ago. She welcomed me to the YWCA exercise class and then into her home (and POOL). Just this year I met her again at Kirkland Village and I was so happy to see her. I am sorry at her passing but glad to have known her.
Thomas Zito
July 13, 2012
My condolences to the entire family on the loss of a fine teacher and nice lady
George Kanuck
July 13, 2012
This is a very sad day for me. I've lost a truly wonderful and kind friend. Her picture is exactly how I wish to remember her; young, energetic, and so alive. My sincerest condolences.
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