Cecile Lola Helen Clare, 90, our beloved “Auntie,” made her transition on 3 February, 2016 in Lawrence, Kansas. Born in Lucea, Hanover, Jamaica, West Indies on 30 September, 1925 to Louis Napoleon and Rachel Ann (neé Henry) Clare, Cecile was the youngest of eight children. She was preceded in death by her parents and her seven siblings: Neville St. Louis, Ivan St. Basil, Aston George Napier, Millicent Louise, Cynthia Ann, Emerson Dixon Carlisle, and Sybil Anita. She is survived by her nieces Jacqueline St. Louis Clare (Canada), Patricia Carlise Clare, Janice Elizabeth Louise Robinson (Kingston, Jamaica), Sherrill Alicia Clare Robinson (Lawrence, Kansas), and by her nephews Neville Cunliffe Clare, Richard Carlise Clare, Louis Carlise Clare, Neil Anthony Napier Clare and wife Allison (United Kingdom), and Brian Taylor Napier Clare and wife Sandra (Tulsa, OK). She is also survived by her close friends, Doris Byles, Dorothy Harker, Laura Howard, and Gloria Tavares.
After graduating from school, Auntie worked throughout her life in the public and private sector in Jamaica. Auntie loved her community and was active in many civic and philanthropic activities. She was well known in her community for her charitable work on behalf of the poor and needy. She was a founding member of Hanover Charities from its inception in 1957, and remained an honorary board member until her death. Hanover Charities is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization that raises and distributes charitable funds throughout the Parish of Hanover, Jamaica. To honor her immeasurable gifts to Hanover Charities, the Soup Kitchen in Lucea was renovated and enlarged in February of 2011 and was renamed the Cecile Clare Kitchen of Love. Auntie’s home and garden reflected her love of flowers. In her retirement, Auntie used her passion to take on floral arrangements for weddings and funerals. Auntie loved to laugh and had a great sense of humor. She enjoyed everyone she met and always reached out with a smile and a welcoming hand.
Auntie came to live with her niece in Lawrence, Kansas in 2009 after suffering a stroke. Even with limited mobility, she embraced this new adventure. She loved going on Mass Street, cheering on the KU Women’s basketball team, watching the children cavort in the fountain at the Legends, and eating ice cream cones. Special thanks to her many caregivers and especially to her cardiologist, Dr. Roger Dreiling.
The family will receive guests at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home, 601 Indiana Street, Lawrence, Kansas on Saturday, 13 February from 3:00 p.m.-5:00 p.m. Funeral services will be held in Jamaica. Donations in memory of Cecile L. H. Clare can be made to Hanover Charities, a 501(c)(3) organization, in care of the funeral home, Rumsey-Yost, or online at www.hanovercharities.com
