Clara McGarity

Clara McGarity, 93, of De Pere, Wisconsin, died August 12, 2026. Clara was born on December 15, 1932 in Trenary, Michigan to the late William and Viola Mae (Nance) Goodman. She married James McGarity, February 21, 1952 in Bethesda, Maryland. He preceded her in death on August 19, 2008.

Clara is survived by her children: Debra Baker, Jacksonville, Florida; Timothy McGarity, De Pere, Wisconsin; and Peggy (Michael) Alberts, Ponte Vedra, Florida; as well as grandchildren and great grandchildren.

At the age of 18 years old, Clara was tested in Escanaba, Michigan for a job to work at the U.S. Department of Labor in Washington, D.C. She was instructed by Telegram to travel by train from the Upper Peninsula of Michigan to Washington D.C. to begin work for the Labor Department. She spoke fondly of her days in D.C. with her roommates.

Much of her life was devoted to the Recovery self-help organization, where she was the leader of the regional chapter for 40 years. Every Monday at 7:00 pm in Green Bay, she faithfully led weekly meetings. Frequently, she could be overheard consoling other Recovery members over the phone.

Clara prided herself with her green thumb. Her perennial gardens were her passion. Orchids and Asian Lilies were her favorites. Later in life, she joined The Gardeners Club of Green Bay, where she became an active member.

As mother, she is fondly remembered for her homemade donuts, fried pork chops, canned venison, and her short but feisty stature. She allowed her children to be as independent as the boundaries of the neighborhood allowed as long as they were led back home by the lighting of the street lights. She is also remembered, if only by an unfortunate few, by her nasty tasting rum-balls that she made at Christmas time … yes, sorry Mom, but they were bad. Hahaha.

There will not be a formal funeral for Clara as the family prefers a small family get-together as a celebration of Clara’s life. She will be cremated, and her ashes placed with her previously departed loved ones.

Love you, Mom! See ya on the other side!