Obituary of Clara N. Avery

Clara Lillian Avery, age 89, of Wrights Crossing Road, Pomfret, died Saturday, June 20, 2009 at Evergreen Health Care in Stafford Springs. She was the beloved wife of Edward William Avery, he died March 17, 1948. She was born November 18, 1919 in Pomfret, daughter of the late James H. and Lucy M. (Baker) Nuttall. Clara was an honor graduate of Putnam High School in 1937. Upon graduation Clara received the opportunity to work as a cashier at the Montgomery Ward Store in Putnam. She later advanced from cashier to head bookkeeper and then on to office manager. After 10 years she left the store to accept a position as secretary and bookkeeper at Idle Wild Farms in Pomfret. In 1961 Clara was offered a position at the Law Offices of Woisard, Back & Woisard, which is now known as the Law Offices of Jackson, Harris, Burlingame & Hubert. She was employed there until her retirement in January 1997. Clara made her home in Pomfret her entire life with many interests in serving her community. She was the clerk of the First Congregational Church of Pomfret, President of Home Economics Group. She received her 75 year certificate from Wolf Den Grange in April 2009. During her service with the Grange she served as Lady Assisted Steward Lecturer and Master of Ladies Degree Team. For the Town of Pomfret, Clara served as Chair of the Jury Committee, she was Clerk for the Board of Education and Pomfret Probate Court for many years. Clara served as Assistant to the Town Clerk as well. She was also Secretary for the Board of Finance for more than twenty years. She leaves two sons: Russell E. Avery of Pomfret; Douglas J. Avery and his wife Kathryn of Willington; a niece Nancy (Nuttall) McCombs, seven grandchildren and twelve great grandchildren. Clara was predeceased by two sisters and two brothers. Funeral Service will be Saturday, June 27, 2009 at 11:00 AM at the Smith and Walker Funeral Home, 148 Grove Street, Putnam. Calling hours 2:00 to 4:00 PM and 7:00 TO 9:00 PM Friday, June 26, 2009 at the Funeral Home. Burial in South Cemetery, Brooklyn. In lieu of flowers donations may be made in her memory to the Pomfret Senior Association, 207 Mashamoquet Road, Pomfret Center, CT 06259. To share a memory, with her family, "Light a Candle" at www.smithandwalkerfh.com