Clare Hamlin

Clara Louise (McCarthy) Hamlin transitioned from this world into the arms of God on June 7, 2017.  Born January 5, 1932 in Cincinnati, OH.  Clara was the youngest of 5 children born to Mary Jennie (Bliss) Weir and step-father Eugene McCarthy.  Her siblings, Mary Binkley, Henry Weir, Anna May Weir, and Rose Manning all predeceased Clara.

Clara graduated St. Mary’s High School in 1950 and began working at Western Southern Life Insurance Company in the weekly premium department.  Always a great athlete, Clara played on the very competitive, Western Southern “Green Team” – a woman’s softball team.  It was on the field, where she met Frank Hamlin, her husband to be.  Clara and Frank recently celebrated their 63 ^rd wedding anniversary.

Clara will be missed by many, especially her 6 children Michael (Kimberly), Gregory (Evelyn), Jeffrey (Marie), Pamela (Garrick), Lynn (William) and Steven (Ingrid); 14 Grandchildren, Kevin, Frank, Isaac, Rebekah, Jackie, Sean, Jenny, Matthew, Eve, Danielle, Teslin, Brian, Krysta, and Peter; and 7 Great grandchildren, Jordan, Brycen, Ella, Brody, Broden, Evyana and Evie.

Family was everything to Clara.  She was our consummate cheerleader, coach, instigator, negotiator, peacemaker, and chief card shark.  From an early age card playing was a staple in our life.  No card game was off limits. We played Whist, Pay Me, Pinochle, Euchre, Hearts, and War.  Regardless of your age, no mercy was shown.  Each of us was taught to win!

Mom’s gift to the world was her ability to make every person she met – male or female, young or old, black or white, able or disabled, rich or poor – to feel loved, included, and important.  Those lives she touched are forever changed because of her indominable spirit and unconditional love.

Also, very active in the community, Clara was a member of the Council of Catholic Women and the Eucharistic Ministry at St. Scholastica Church; Past  President of the Citrus Hills Country Club Women’s Club; and volunteer at Citrus Memorial Hospital in the Outpatient Surgery Center and as an usher at the Art Center Theater.

A memorial mass will take place at St. Scholastica Catholic Church at 10:30 am Wednesday, June 14 ^th followed by internment at Florida National Cemetery Bushnell. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Art Center of Citrus County –  the Art Center Theater, 2644 N. Annapolis Ave., Hernando, FL 34442. Heinz Funeral Home& Cremation