Clara G. Melcher

Clara G. Melcher, 96, a lifelong resident of the Northeast Kingdom, living the majority of her life in West Burke, passed away peacefully on March 20, 2025, after a long illness.

Clara was born on September 19, 1928, in Lyndonville to Edgar and Lena (Donna) Austin. She graduated with the Lyndon Institute Class of 1947 before marrying the love of her life, Wayne Melcher, on October 9, 1948. The two shared nearly 40 happy years together before his passing on September 30, 1988. Clara spent her career as a homemaker, raising three children and volunteering in many ways to help her community.

A woman of many talents, Clara used her gifts to benefit others. She was a dedicated member of the West Burke Methodist Church and could be seen volunteering at every church supper and teaching Sunday School for many years when she was able. She was a talented seamstress and made a lot of her own clothing, even making a wedding dress for her daughter Jane. She volunteered with the local 4-H group, teaching sewing and crafting, and could be seen at the 4-H booth at the Caledonia County Fair. For many years she worked tirelessly at the West Burke food shelf and continued that work even after it moved to Lyndonville. She could be seen with her friend Rowena on the roads of West Burke picking up trash to help keep the town clean.

Outside of volunteer work, Clara knew how to have fun. She was an avid dancer, the faster the better; she loved the Polka! She loved to be outdoors in the sun, even hiking Camel’s Hump in her 70s. She kept in touch with friends through writing cards for various occasions. She never passed up an opportunity to give or receive a hug. She loved and cared for people deeply, and so many will miss her presence in their lives.

Clara is survived by her children Jeanne McDonald of Bowie, MD, Jane (Duane) Johnson of Lyndonville, and Robert (Peggy Boyer) Melcher of Danville; grandchildren Maria (Adam) Blood and Michael (Christina Chandler) Johnson; great-grandchild Nolan Blood; sister-in-law Jean Melcher; as well as many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her parents, beloved husband, and siblings Harvey Austin, Elgie Brown, Gertrude Wilson, and Edgar “Junior” Austin.

A funeral service will be held at 2pm on April 5, 2025, at the West Burke Methodist Church with The Rev. Barbara Dwyer officiating. There will be no calling hours. Burial will take place at Hillside Cemetery in West Burke at the convenience of the family.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to West Burke Methodist Church, PO Box 302, West Burke, VT 05871.

Memories and condolences can be shared with the family at caledonialifeservices.com