Clare Spodobalski Obituary

"Clare Bernadette Heiser Spodobalski 1936-2023 Wonderful and loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt and dear friend, Clare led a full and happy life. On April 24, 2023, Clare passed on at the age of 87 after courageously living with leukemia (AML) for five years. Clare was born on February 14, 1936, to Raymond and Margaret (Gordon) Heiser of Philadelphia, PA. Clare graduated from JW Hallahan Catholic High School in 1953 and St. Mary's School of Nursing in 1956. As a Registered Nurse, Clare held nursing and management positions at skilled nursing facilities until semi-retirement. She then became a home health nurse practitioner until she retired in 2003. Throughout her career, Clare was a volunteer of the American Red Cross. Clare met Tony, her husband of over 65 years, at Holy Name Catholic School in the third grade. After he graduated from college and she completed nursing school, they married on June 8, 1957. Tony was commissioned to the Army prior to the wedding and that began their life as a military family. Throughout that time, Clare managed moving her family to over 11 different locations while continuing her career in nursing and raising five beautiful children. After Tony's final station at McChord AFB, they decided to settle nearby in Lakewood, WA. Clare is loved and greatly missed by her husband, Tony, her children, David, Rose, Jim, Judy and Joe and their partners Bret Brower, Frank Brown, Jennifer (Cuda) and former daughter-in-law, Doreen Cruz. She was much-loved Grandmom to Jared, Tyler, Samantha, Dylan, Anthony, Brittany, and Caitlyn and she was a great-grandmother to their children. She was Aunt Clare to nieces and nephews Gerry, Peggy, Patti, Ray, John and Kathleen, their spouses, and all their children and grandchildren. Clare leaves many dear friends, especially Joyce Momii. Clare was preceded in death by her parents, her sister, Joan, and brother-in-law, Gerry Winn. Many of her long-time friends have passed on as well, including Gudrun Redman, Ruth Hofto and many members of the Stitch and Bitch Club. Clare always had a smile on her face and was very happy to see you. She will be remembered for her kindness, generosity, and sense of humor, as well as her unwavering love for her family and friends. It was always important to her to have her loved ones around her. We will miss her for rounding us all up for family celebrations. Aloha i ko`u `ohana a me na hoaaloha! The family would like to extend special thanks to Clare's care team at the Fred Hutchison Cancer Center (formerly SCCA) and University of Washington Medical Center for the kindness and loving attention they gave. In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial donation to Fred Hutchinson Cancer Care Center or to a charity that was close to Clare's heart, St. Labre Indian School. Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center PO Box 19023 Seattle, WA 98109-1023 FredHutch. org St. Labre Indian School PO Box 216 Ashland, MT 59003-9989 StLabre. org Services for Clare will be held on Tuesday, May 16 at Mountain View Funeral Home in Lakewood, WA, at 10:00 am at the Aspen Chapel. Graveside service will be at 11:30 am with a Reception following. Visitation for friends and relatives will be held between 11:00 am and 4:00 pm. on Monday, May 15, at Mountain View. "