Mary Joyce Clar

Clar, Mary Joyce (DeLucia)

Gates, NY

Predeceased by her son Kenny, her parents Steve and Millie DeLucia, her brother Frank DeLucia and his wife Merry.

She is survived by her husband of 64 years, Richard, and her children Kevin (Ann Marie), Karen (Doug) Kenyon, Keith (Christine), Kreag, Kristen (Mark) Ballister.  Grandchildren Kimberly (Dan) Collins, Michael, Alec (Kit), Ken (Catie), Tricia, Zachery, Kyle, Alana, Joseph, Isabella, Nathan, and Jacob.  Great-grandchildren Frances, Riley, and Aiden. Siblings Millie (Don) Lewis and Steve (Ginny) DeLucia.  Brother-in-laws Larry ( Carol ) Clar and Tim ( Elaine ) Clar.  Also Aunt Felicia and many nieces, nephews, cousins and long-time friends.

Mary was an amazing woman who was tremendously creative using the simplest of materials, tools, and supplies.  She had a career as a long-distance operator before taking ‘early retirement’ to raise her 6 children.  She found time during those years to create the Merry Workshop where in her tiny sewing room she created a variety of crafts including hundreds of yarn-on-felt character creations.  After seeing the joy that clowns brought to her son Kenny (and other sick children) she became Sunflower, a clown and juggler, who along with her sidekick Sunseed, and often on her Moped, she visited and entertained sick children.

After that, she discovered her talent for puppetry and created Musical Marionettes through which she made her own joyful and unique puppets, and performed at schools, libraries, etc.  She brought much joy to young and old alike who saw those shows.

Mary’s other creative outlet was her garden.  She could, and did, make anything grow, and her garden on Harwick Road was at once beautiful, simple, whimsical, and relaxing.  She created George the Bush, 3 Stooges bushes, and unique flower beds with color year-round; and she shared cuttings with whoever wanted them. 

And of course, who can forget her Christmas cards.  Initially they were hand-drawn and hand-colored.  Then they morphed into poems and other greetings as she grew more proficient with her computer.   We have heard from many how highly anticipated they were each year.

There is so much more we could share but we hear mom saying: “less is more”, so we will leave you to your memories of Mary and look forward to hearing them when next we meet.

Family and Friends may call Sunday 12/4 from 1-4 pm at David Doser Funeral Home, 76 S. Main St Fairport.  A Celebration of Mary’s life will take place on Monday 12/5 at 10:30 am at the All Seasons Chapel at White Haven Memorial Park, 210 Marsh Rd. –followed by a Green Burial at White Haven.

To celebrate Mary’s colorful life, feel free to NOT wear black.

In lieu of flowers, please consider spreading joy, planting something, giving generously.

If you are unable to attend in person, we will be live streaming Mary's service.  To access the live stream, click on this link:

https://youtu.be/3ds5RK5pSbc

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Mary Joyce Clar, please visit our floral store.