Clara Wilson

It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of our dear Clara Elaine Wilson, 78, of Westernport, Md. She passed away Sunday, December 5, 2021 with her husband by her side, after bravely battling Glioblastoma brain cancer for over a year. Clara was in the peak of health when she learned she may only have months to live. While we are heartbroken beyond words, Clara would want us to celebrate her life, rather than mourn her passing.

Born August 28, 1943, in Rawlings, Md, Clara was the daughter of the late Albert and Cleo Bowman and sister to the late brother, Stanley Evans. She is survived by her sister, Hilda Ware of Seaford, DE and Albert “Bucky” Bowman of Keyser, WV.

Clara was a dedicated wife, mother and grandma to her loving husband, children, grandchildren and great-grandchild. Clara is survived by her devoted husband of 56 years, Robert Lee Wilson, Jr., daughters Lisa Wilson and husband Robert Hillegass, Jr. of Bedford, PA and Julie Beth Shinaberry and late husband Hugh Shinaberry, Morgantown, WV.  In addition, Clara always said that her grandchildren were the light of her eyes: Christian Amtower and wife Lacey, great granddaughter, Brynlee, Jenna Amtower and partner Josh Bowes, Quinn Shinaberry and Ryder Shinaberry, and step grandson, Robbie Hillegass and wife Tiffany, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and special dear friends Don and Peggy Lloyd.

She graduated from Bruce High School, class of 1961, where she met the love of her life and husband, Robert L. Wilson, Jr. Clara continued her education, and became a Registered Nurse through the Memorial Hospital Nursing program, where she was a CRT (Clinical Response Team) Nurse. After her nursing degree, she was employed by NIH, before returning to Westernport to marry Robert. Clara was a member of the Honor Society of Nursing (Sigma Theta Tau) sorority and a local sorority in Westernport. Clara took the next 7 years off to raise their children. She became the first trained woman EMT in Westernport. Later, she was also employed by Sacred Heart Hospital and Heartland Nursing facility before earning both Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing at Frostburg State University (1992) and a Master’s degree from University of Maryland (1995). She continued her nursing career by instructing CNA’s at both Heartland and Moran Manor Nursing homes, worked in quality assurance, Infection Control and a Geriatric Nurse Practitioner for 15 years. Clara continued her education through Garrett Community College and became a Licensed Massage Therapist and massage therapy instructor at Allegany College of Maryland. After 14 years, she happily retired. Clara always emphasized that education was very important and that people should never stop learning.

Clara loved the outdoors. You could always find her tidying up her gardens, weeding and reading in her gazebo. She would stay up all night, just to finish a good book. She also enjoyed a good Sudoku game or a slot machine at Rocky Gap. Clara enjoyed spending quality time with family and friends. She was the “rock” that held the family together. Clara loved the time she spent camping with her family. She will be sadly missed, but she will always be with us.

At her request, her wishes were to be cremated.

Family and friends will be received at Boal Funeral Home, Westernport on Saturday, October 8th from 1 to 2:30 p.m. A memorial service honoring Clara will take place following the visitation at 2:30 p.m.

Clara requested that in lieu of flowers, please make donations in the name of Clara E. Wilson to: Potomac Fire Company #2, 61 Main Street, P. O. Box 326, Westernport, Md 21562 or call (301) 359-3701 or to  Tri-Towns Rescue Squad, 59 Main Street, Westernport, Md 21562 (301) 359-3067