Obituaries
Clara K. Blaker, 78
Clara K. Blaker, 78, of Lititz, passed away on December 24, 2010, being the last of her immediate family.
Born in South Williamsport, Clara was the daughter of the late Charles Elmer and Rose Elizabeth Ertel Blaker. Clara graduated from South Williamsport High School in 1949 and Lock Haven State Teacher’s College in 1954, receiving her Bachelor of Science in Health and Physical Education. She participated in Varsity Basketball, JV Hockey, Cheerleading, and was a member of the Women’s Athletic Assn. She received her Master of Education from West Chester State College in 1971.
Clara was employed for 28 years as a Health and Physical Education teacher and coach at Garden Spot High School, Eastern Lancaster County School District, New Holland, PA from Sept. 1957 through July 1985. Her coaching career started in 1959, coaching girls’ softball from 1959 through 1964, girls JV and Varsity Basketball from 1960 through 1968, with an undefeated season in 1963 and had the best record in the county in 1966. Clara also started the track and field program in 1964.
She traveled to Europe, France, Germany, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, Hawaii, St. Thomas, St. John, and St. Croix in the US Virgin Islands. Clara traveled to numerous Penn State Football games and traveled the Eastern seaboard playing golf.
She enjoyed watching the Indianapolis Colts, Philadelphia Eagles, and was an avid fan of Penn State Football and Duke University Basketball. She enjoyed reading, playing golf, and was a member of the Overlook Ladies Assn. for many years.
Surviving are Eileen J. Benner, her partner of 47 years, her nephews: Alfred (Jody) B. Blaker, Michael A. (Kathy) Blaker, William (Gaynold) McClintock, and Frederick (Shelly) McClintock Jr.; and her sister-in-law Relda Blaker, widow of Alfred B. Blaker. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by two brothers and two sisters: Alice B. McClintock widow of Frederick McClintock, Charles E. Blaker, Helen E. Kane widow of Col. Stuart E. Kane, and Alfred B. Blaker.
Services will be private with interment in St. Joseph New Catholic Cemetery in Bausman, PA. In lieu of flowers, please make contributions in Clara’s memory to Hospice of Lancaster County, 685 Good Drive, Box 4125, Lancaster, PA 17604-4125. To send an online condolence, please visit: SnyderFuneralHome.com. Charles F. Snyder Jr. Funeral Home & Crematory, 717-560-5100
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Eileen- sorry to hear about Clara’s death. I passed the room on Friday that she was in several weeks ago and thought that maybe she had gone home. My sincerest condolences on your friend’s passing.
Anna Laura Thompson
Hello Eileen,
My thoughts and prayers are with you as you remember the life and death of your dear partner Clara. Last week I was going through my sewing records, saw your names and wondered about you. My visits with you, Clara and Helen were delightful.
Mary Ann Kimmel
