Clara E. Weimer

1929 - 2025

Clara E. Weimer, 96, of Ligonier. She was born Clara Elizabeth Hoffer on Jan. 11, 1929, to the late James Edward and Mary Emma (Wilson) Hoffer. Clara was known all her life as "Sis" because her older brother, "Junior," couldn't say the name Clara. But that was alright with her because she preferred "Sis." Sis entered peacefully into the arms of her beloved Savior and Lord Jesus Christ on the afternoon of Nov. 11, 2025, at Latrobe Hospital, holding hands with her son, Barry, and daughter, Mary Ann. Sis was a long-standing member of Waterford Christian Church and was currently the oldest member. She loved time spent in church with family and friends and worked tirelessly at church and at home. She was devout in her faith, as recognized by her 38 years of perfect attendance. She taught Sunday School for 30 years, accompanied by as many years as a Vacation Bible School teacher, often in charge of all the beautiful crafts the children made. Born at home on the family farm, Sis learned quickly to work hard and not complain. She and her sister, Eleanor, would sing harmony while milking the cows, which was a daily chore before going to school. She had only gone on two dates with Wayne when he asked her to "wait for him" as he went off to serve in the Army during WWII (1944-1946). After he returned home, they married in a double ceremony with her brother, "Junior," and his wife, "Mid." They celebrated many anniversaries together thereafter. Sis loved to garden and often said that getting her hands "down in the dirt" lifted one's spirit and was good for the soul. She loved growing flowers and through the years shared her vegetable garden with family and friends. She was content with and cherished the simple things in life, which were faith and family. She was "thrifty," as evidenced by her gardening shoes that were worn and tattered and knee pads that were held together by safety pins. The gardening shoes were worn at home all year long no matter the season, if she wasn't barefooted, which she often was. She enjoyed mowing grass with her little green Lawn Boy push mower and often worked outside until after dark. The tiniest weed would grab her attention, and it was pulled out. Though she had new ones, she continued to wear an old, worn-out sweater while at home because she "liked it just fine and it was warm." She loved sitting in her rocking chair on the back porch and watching all that nature had to offer. Sis is perhaps remembered most of all as a dedicated card giver. When the church discontinued its Keep In Touch Ministry, she continued the program on her own. She sent hundreds of cards throughout her years for birthdays, anniversaries, holidays, showers, engagements, weddings, congratulations, encouragement, and sympathy. In each and every card she enclosed a personal note, praising the Lord for all good things and wishing many blessings for the recipients. Once in a while, members of the church would surprise her with books of postage stamps, sometimes even a roll of 100! And, as you may have guessed, they would receive a thank you card. In addition to her parents, Sis was preceded in death by her loving husband of 68 years, Wayne Weimer; her son, Wayne Weimer Jr.; and a grandson, Adam Emert. She was also preceded in death by her brother, James Hoffer Jr., and his wife, "Mid"; brother, Leonard (Gerry) Hoffer; sister, Eleanor, and husband, Gerald Smith; sister, Helen (Bud) Knupp; and an infant sister, Elaine Hoffer. She is survived by two sisters, Betty (Gerald) Warren and Lois "Eileen" (Ted) Goodman; one son, Barry Lee Weimer, and his wife, Candy; and one daughter, Mary Ann Weimer, and her husband, Terry Lee Porterfield. Sis was blessed with the following grandchildren: Hope (Steve) Smithley, Natalie (Mike) DiRinaldo, Elizabeth Ramsey, Marty (Tammy) Weimer, and Jason (Jenny) Weimer; and the following step-grandchildren: Heather (Keith) DeLaney and Terry Richard Porterfield. She was great-grandmother to Jacob Smithley, Nicole Smithley, Emmy DiRinaldo, Olivia DiRinaldo, Austin Ramsey, Sofia Ramsey, Haleigh (Chad) Millward, Megan Weimer, Julia Weimer, and Matthew Weimer; and step-great-grandmother to Nathaniel Porterfield, Shane O'Donnell, Alexandra DeLaney, and Ryan and Christy. She was great-great-grandmother to Wyatt and Harper Grace Millward and Waylon Smithley. Sis had many nieces and nephews, and their children as well, to round out her extended family. Barry and Mary Ann would like to send a heartfelt thank you to Waterford Christian Church. They would also like to extend a special thank you to Sis's dear friends, Betty Roberts (who passed away this year) and Suzie Snyder, both of whom always made sure that Sis made it to whatever function the church was having, including Sunday Service/Sunday School, weekly Bible Study, and going out for all of those lunches! A visitation in honor of Clara's life will be held from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 16, 2025, at SNYDER-GREEN FUNERAL HOME, located at 402 East Church Street, Ligonier, PA, where a funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, Nov. 17, 2025, with Pastor Jesse Robinson officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made in Sis's name to Waterford Christian Church.