Clara T. Smith

Clara Therese Smith, 85, of Manchester, Connecticut, passed away on Monday, October 27, 2025. Born on March 11, 1940, in Bridgeport, Clara was the daughter of the late Stephen Takacs and Grace (Fodor) Takacs. Clara grew up in Fairfield where she began exploring her musical talents at an early age. She received her bachelor’s degree in music from the University of Bridgeport and a 6th year in continuing education. She also received certifications in Orff and Kodaly methodology. Her parents' love of music and their support played a significant role in Clara’s professional success which included training under Tibor Horn of Bridgeport.

Clara is survived by her son David Smith; her cousin, Loretta Bayers; and her friends, Ellie Tenor, Howard Roberts, Linda Browning, Linda Hilliard, Richard Cooper and her lifelong friend since grade 7, Lydia Straus-Edwards, among many others too numerous to list. Clara was predeceased by her sister Barbara Varnerin and by her friend and neighbor, Janet Forzley. David and Clara’s friends all brought so much joy and love into her life.

A gifted string musician, Clara shared her passion for music as a dedicated music teacher and music department head in Manchester schools for 31 years. Clara inspired countless young students to find joy in music. Clara's love of people of all ages was a driving force in her life; she made friendships wherever she was. Among Clara’s best friends were the teachers that she hired. Clara also had a sense of adventure and enjoyed sailing and canoeing with friends and travelling to remote regions of North America with her son. Clara’s love extended to her pets, especially her gentle Golden Retriever, Claudia and her cats over several decades including Venetia, Sylvester, Sebastian, Ketzel, Gracie and Bailey all of whom predeceased Clara. Clara spent many hours walking with Claudia in the neighborhood around her home on Weaver Road, always stopping to talk to neighbors and to meet new people. While in the hospital, her good friend Prescille Yamimoto provided excellent care for Bailey. Due to chronic disease Bailey died just a few days before Clara.

Clara lived on Weaver Road for 40 years and then moved to the Arbors of Hopbrook in Manchester for another 10 years where she continued to maintain her health by walking around the property gardens and in the local neighborhoods. She also enjoyed sitting in front of the fireplace with a good book, a crossword puzzle or just being with friends. Clara found great joy in interacting with her friends and neighbors at the Arbors. Clara frequently would mention how appreciative she was of the excellent care she received from the serving, kitchen, maintenance, nursing and front desk staff. The wide range of activities available to her at the Arbors provided stimulation and sustained social interaction. Clara also appreciated the diversity of her beloved Manchester and was empathetic to the common struggles people have there. She knew that the small city with its overwhelming sense of community would be her home and her workplace after her first trip down Main Street over 60 years ago.

Clara remained active and engaged in retirement, participating in book and several writing clubs. She performed with the Arbors bell choir and introduced many of the visiting performing groups. Her greatest joy came from her conversations with her son and her friend Howard Roberts every evening. They shared what was happening in their lives which provided an opportunity for mutual support. Clara was a member of Friends Meeting for Worship in Storrs and Center Congregational Church in Manchester where she found spiritual guidance and time to spend with people that she cared about.

The family and friends would like to thank Clara's medical team; the staff at Arbors of Hop Brook, Hartford Hospital and Manchester Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center; and Jan Johnson and Stephanie Johnson, Clara’s beloved advisors and friends. David would also like to acknowledge the extraordinary contribution of Linda Browning to his mom’s professional and personal life.

A celebration of Clara’s life will be in late June 2026, details will be announced early next year. Burial will be in Lawncroft Cemetery in Fairfield after the Celebration of Life. Holmes-Watkins Funeral Home in Manchester will have more details on their website.