Obituaries

Claire C. Sickler, 97

February 17, 2014

Claire C. Sickler, 97, passed away on February 17, at St. Anne’s Retirement Community, Columbia, where she resided since June 2007.

She was the widow of Sears H. Sickler, Jr. who preceded her in death, passing away in April 2008, after over 67 years of marriage. Claire was born on January 13, 1917, in Lancaster. She was the daughter of the late Helen Maher Karr and James Maher.

Claire was a member of Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church.

Although she spent most of her life in Lancaster, some of Claire’s fondest memories were of her childhood summers in Bellefonte, PA, with her mother, brothers and maternal grandparents. After high school and before getting married, Claire worked at Armstrong World Industries. She later returned to Armstrong while her late husband, Sears, was in the Navy. After her children were grown, Claire was the bookkeeper for the former Goldbach’s Floral Shop in downtown Lancaster.

She lived the majority of her life in the west-end of Lancaster and greatly enjoyed that part of the city. She was an avid reader and also enjoyed playing cards, having played in a pinochle card club with the same group of ladies for almost 50 years. Claire loved life and touched every person she met with her remarkable warmth and spirit. She saw and embraced the good in everyone.

Claire’s family would like to extend its most sincere thanks and heartfelt appreciation to the staff at St. Anne’s Retirement Community. Their care, compassion and professionalism will never be forgotten. Sincere thanks also to the Silver Team of Hospice & Community Care, who aided in the wonderful care that Claire received.

Claire will be lovingly remembered and forever missed. Survivors include four children; a son, William Sickler of Lancaster, and three daughters, Helen Sickler, Lancaster, Eileen Sickler, spouse of Sarah Willard of Burlington, MA, and Mary Low, wife of Richard Low, Lancaster. She is also survived by her brother, Richard Maher of Lancaster, as well as three grandchildren, nieces and nephews, and many dear friends and neighbors. In addition to her late husband, she was preceded in death by her brother, John Maher, and by her infant sister, Margaret Maher.

A Funeral Mass will be held 11:00 am Saturday February 22, 2014, in the Chapel at St. Anne’s Retirement Community, with Msgr. Richard Onwuanibe as Celebrant. Claire’s family will receive friends from 10:00 am until 11:00 am. Burial at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery will be private. In lieu of flowers, Memorial Contributions may be made to St. Anne’s Retirement Community, 3952 Columbia Avenue, Columbia, PA 17512.

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Condolences to the Family

August 14, 2014

Dear Helen, Bill, Eileen and Mary,  So very sorry that your mother has passed on.  She and Mother were best of friends, like sisters, for so many years.  I spoke to your mother about a year before her passing, and we had a wonderful conversation about old times together.  My husband and I visited her at St. Anne’s in June of 2013, but she didn’t recognize me at that time.  I still felt good about knowing that she was very well taken care of and as peaceful and pretty as I will always remember her. What fond memories I have of our visiting each other’s houses and playing together, and staying with your grandmother during a snow storm when we had no power.
My sincere condolences to all of you.  Our mothers are now at peace.  Phyllis Bryson Biddle 

February 25, 2014

Eileen, 
My sincere sympathy to you & your family.  I remember your mother well…even after all these years.  Our young years were very formative and memory-filled!  Thinking of you (especially today) brought me to this sad news and in faith, rejoicing in your mom’s reunion with God & your dad…forever peaceful!  Take care! Annie (Clerico) Zavisho

February 21, 2014

Dear Eileen, Sally, Mary, Helen and Bill, 
My heart goes out to you all.  With my friendship with you Eileen, I was able to meet your wonderful family.  I have very fond memories of both Claire and Sears.  I was truly blessed to know your parents.  They both truly loved each other and their children.  Claire, a sweeter woman I couldn’t know.  The older you get, the more you realize what a blessing it is to have wonderful people come into your life, Claire was one of them.

February 21, 2014

My sincere sympathy to the Sickler family for the loss of your Mother. Anyone who ever knew Claire knows she was such a lovely woman, very pretty, soft spoken, compassionate and always seemed to have a sixth sense about people…she could see into your heart and soul! I have many fond memories of her throughout many years and the world would be a better place if there were more people like your Mother. Her presence will dearly be missed.
God bless you all, Carol (Kirchner) Vere
 
 
 

February 20, 2014

Eileen–I was browsing the obits today from VA and came across your last name I remember so vividly.  So, sorry to hear about your mom.  Remembering all our fun times together at Dutch Wonderland (Ed Eagle).  Hope you remember me!  Bless you and your family,  Connie Barley (Ranck) 

Visitation
Saturday, February 22, 2014
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
St. Anne's Retirement Community
3952 Columbia Avenue
Columbia, PA 17512
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Services
Saturday, February 22, 2014
11:00 AM
St. Anne's Retirement Community
3952 Columbia Avenue
Columbia, PA 17512
Map and Directions

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