Clarice Jean Gildred's Obituary
Clarice Jean Gildred, 96, passed away peacefully on September 18, 2024, with family by her side, in Palm Coast, Florida. She grew up and was married to her dear husband, Gil, in Hibbing, MN. Thereafter, they moved and remained in River Vale, NJ for 30 years, then retiring to sunny Palm Coast, FL staying there and leading three of four daughters close by in Florida during their almost 40 years in Palm Coast. Clarice loved the Lord Jesus Christ and expressed that through all she did with her relationships and her joyful singing in church choirs starting as a child at the First Lutheran Church of Hibbing, MN, and well into her golden years when at Christ Lutheran Church, LCMC, Palm Coast, FL. Clarice was always a teacher at heart, whether or not physically in the school teaching her students but remembered fondly her first year of teaching in Anchorage, Alaska in the late 1940’s and teaching first grade in Hopkins, MN during her first years of marriage. Of course, her teaching never ended since she had 4 daughters whom she loved selflessly. Clarice always had joy in her heart and always put others’ needs before her own. She had a humor that she carried with her always. She loved traveling with her husband where she developed a love for cruising and touring many countries, even on freighter ships. She loved the arts; she played violin and piano (even playing the Theme from Dr. Zhivago and other beautiful melodies) and enjoyed attending our local Palm Coast band presentations by the “President’s Own” United States Marine Band and other performances in Palm Coast. She loved the beaches of NY State, NJ, and Florida, loved walking on the beach, enjoyed her bowling leagues and bridge tournaments as well as her ballroom dancers’ group and golfing leagues of Palm Coast.
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Harry (Gil) J Gildred, and sisters, Marjorie Hoffman, Elaine (Frank) Thomas, and Helen (Loren) Larson. There was also a special place in her heart for Molly, her Tuxedo Maine Coon mix cat, who was rescued in 2012 from the Flagler Humane Society. Donations may be given in lieu of flowers to the Flagler Humane Society, 1 Shelter Drive, Palm Coast, FL 32137 by noting on the check “in memory of Clarice Gildred” so that your gift can help the charity continue to partner other humans with furry friends in need.
Clarice is survived by her sister, Lois Pulis and her 4 daughters, Janet L Gildred, Nancy J (John C) March, Harriet S (Michael S and stepdaughter, Janie M Dickinson) Hinson and DeAnne E (Robert W) Moritz, as well as her Granddaughter, Caitlin Clarice March, whom she also greatly loved.
A Celebration of Life to remember her will be on 11/2/2024, 11:00 AM, at the Lighthouse Bible Church of Palm Coast, 15 Hargrove La, Building 4-D (Industrial Park), Palm Coast, FL 32137 (Tel 386-503-5872).
Heritage Funeral and Cremation Service is assisting the family.
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