DANVERS – Mrs. Clara E. (Howard) Pickering 93, of Danvers, Massachusetts and Deer Isle, Maine, beloved wife of the late Frank Edwin Pickering, died peacefully, Monday, September 23rd, 2024 surrounded by her loving family.

Born in Stonington, Maine, she was the daughter of the late Al and Mabel (Bray) Howard. She was raised and educated in Deer Isle, ME and was a graduate of Deer Isle High School, class of 1949; finishing at the top of her class academically. She always had an inquisitive and curious mind as a lifelong learner and avid and keen reader. In addition to excelling in the classroom, she shined at second base on the town and pick up teams. Clara continued her education at the University of Maine Teachers College in Machias, ME.

At a young age, Clara found the love of her life in Frank and they enjoyed over 55 years of marriage. Following their union, they moved to Beverly, MA in 1953 and then in 1956 to Danvers, MA, where they have since resided, raised their family, and made their home. Mrs. Pickering supported her husband as he climbed the corporate ranks to Chief Engineer and Vice President of GE Aircraft Engines. She created a warm and loving home for their family to live and generating a lifetime of memories.

As a resident of the town of Danvers, Clara became actively involved in many civic organizations, including as a 50-year member of the Order of Eastern Star (Deer Isle, Me).  Her Christian faith foundation was built as a member of the Deer Island Congregational Church and lasted her whole life long. With a strong faith in her heart, she was an over 70-year member of the Maple Street Congregational Church. She taught in the Christian Education program at both churches as a teacher and faith leader. She relished her time spent guiding the others in their faith.

A loving wife, mother, nannie and great-nannie, Clara enjoyed spending her time knitting, crocheting, reading and was an outstanding cook. She was her husband's first mate on their frequent weekend boating trips over the years. Above all else, family was her life's greatest accomplishment and joy. As a mother, she encouraged and loved her daughter and son without bounds and she savored time spent with her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She was happiest when surrounded by those she loved and cared for.

Deer Isle, Maine was part of the fabric of her being. A simpler way of life and knowing all your neighbors as friends. Clara carried that devotion of neighborly care that she learned while growing up in Deer Isle throughout her life and passed this innate kindness down to her off spring. As still residing in the family homestead on the Isle, trips "home" as a young woman and vacations later in life were always anticipated with delight. Clara's devotion to her family, faith and community are her everlasting hallmarks. She will be deeply missed.

Clara is survived by her daughter, Diane Belanger and her husband, Roland of Danvers, MA., her son, Larry Pickering and his wife, Betty, of Danvers, her grandchildren, Jennifer Belanger and her companion, Joe Berger, of Danvers, Kristen Fox and her husband, Sean, of Ipswich, MA., Michael Pickering and his fiancé, Shannon Martin, of Danvers, and her son, Christian, Jim Pickering and his wife, Nicole, of Danvers, Steve Pickering and his wife, Casey, of Williston, VT.  Her great grandchildren, Lily, Ella, Sully, Sam, Henry, Cam, Finn Pickering and Connor Fox.  Beloved extended family in Deer Isle, New Jersey, and Las Vegas.

ARRANGEMENTS: Her funeral service will be held at the First Congregational Church of Deer Isle, Sunset Congregational Church, UCC, 57 Church Rd., Deer Isle, Maine, Tuesday, October 8th at 11 A.M. Relatives and friends invited. Burial in Mt. Adams Cemetery, Deer Isle, ME. Assisting the family with the arrangements is O'Donnell Cremations – Funerals – Celebrations, 167 Maple St., DANVERS, MA & Bragdon-Kelley Funeral Home, 215 Main St., ELLSWORTH, ME. In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may be made in Clara's memory to Memorial Ambulance Services, Sunshine Rd, Deer Isle, Maine 04627 or to the IHAP (Island Heating Assistance Program), PO Box 383, Stonington, Me 04681. To share a memory or offer a condolence, please visit www.odonnellfuneralservice.com or bragdonkelly.com