Clara M. Gray

*******UPDATED 7/30/24 743AM *********

Due to the current conditions of the surrounding areas Clara's services are being postponed one day.  A funeral service will NOW be held on Wednesday, July 31, 2024 at 10:30am at Guibord-Pearsons Funeral Home, 15 Main Street, Lyndonville, VT, with The Rev. Bruce Comiskey officiating. Friends may call on the family beginning at 10:00am at the same location. Burial at Woodmont Cemetery in East Burke will follow the funeral service. 

With a heavy heart, the family of Clara Mae (Washburn) (Gardner) Gray, 95, of Lyndonville, announces her passing on June 27, 2024 at the Pines Health and Rehabilitation.

Clara was born on June 15, 1929 in St. Johnsbury to Don and Myrle (Blood) Washburn. She later became the step-daughter to Edmund Woodbury after the death of her father. She grew up on Darling Hill with her mom and dad as he worked at the Creamery for the Darling family. Clara walked many days down the long hill to the school in East Burke village. If not walking, she rode on the handle bar of her friend’s bicycle as they peddled to school. 

Clara met Robert A. Gardner of East Burke and they married on June 23, 1945. They lived in East Burke until 1947 when they moved to Lyndon. Clara continued living in that house until she moved to The Pines in 2019. Together, they had three children: Don Gardner, Julia Gardner, and Robert Gardner, Jr.

Clara was a lifelong resident of Lyndon and worked as a cook at the Lyndon Corner Graded School and at Lyndon Institute. Her three children attended those schools while she cooked meals for the students and teachers. She continued working there with her special friends, Alice and Elaine, even after her children had graduated. 

After the death of her husband Robert in 1976, Clara met Frederick A. Gray of Lyndonville and they married on June 3, 1978, sharing 24 happy years together before his passing in 2002. Clara and Fred spent weekends at the fairs watching the horse pulls with their many friends. Evenings were spent dancing at area dance halls and having breakfast at home with their friends as the sun came up. In her free time, Clara enjoyed crocheting, knitting, playing cards, and board games. She was known for cooking meals for her family and friends and sharing baked goods until everyone was full.

Clara’s greatest joy, however, came from her three grandchildren Lori Garcia, Levi Gardner and Adam Gardner. She spent many hours holding, squeezing, and kissing them. Clara’s greatest love was her family and all the time they shared together, knowing that her family was always there for her. Likewise, her family knew that she was always there for them, and they will all miss “Gram” dearly. 

In addition to her parents Don and Myrle, Clara was predeceased by her stepfather Edmund, husbands Robert and Fred, brother Robert (Carol) Washburn of Niagara Falls, NY, granddaughter Lori Garcia, and good friends Joyce Lefaivre and Rita Calkins.

She is survived by her children Don (Wanita) Gardner of East Burke, Julia (Howard) Berry of Lyndon, and Robert (Brigida) Gardner, Jr. of Lyndonville; grandchildren Levi Gardner and Adam Gardner; longtime friends Alice Taylor and Elaine Kerr; as well as many other beloved family members. 

The family would like to thank all of the people at The Pines: the aids, doctors, nurses, maintenance crew, housekeeping, cooks and kitchen and office personnel, therapists, friends, and anyone who helped “The Sweetheart Bear” we all loved. 

In Lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Clara’s name may be made to The Pines Health and Rehabilitation, 601 Red Village Road, Lyndonville, VT 05851.