Obituary: Clare M. Leake, 81

CHESHIRE, CT — (From Alderson-Ford Funeral Home): Clare M. Leake, 81, passed away on May 16, 2023. She was born on January 17, 1942 in Omaha, NE, daughter of the late Arnold and Florence Weber.

Clare was a beloved teacher at Doolittle Elementary for 35 years. She was a teacher that could reach students of all abilities and temperaments and she is remembered fondly by both her students and the parents who saw the extra effort she put in.

Clare was a lifelong animal lover and advocate who always had multiple cherished pets. She would often foster any abandoned or injured animals who were lucky enough to cross her path. Clare had a love of nature and the outdoors and shared that love with her students, children, and grandchildren.

Clare was fiercely independent, intelligent, and generous. Once grandchildren came along, much of her time and energy was joyfully dedicated to them. Clare enjoyed gardening and could bring new life into any plant she cared for. She was exceptionally creative and talented and enjoyed hobbies such as jewelry making, antiquing, Lego building, and reading.

She was an active member of the community in several local organizations including Cheshire Historical Society, Artsplace, Ball and Socket Arts, and Friends of the Cheshire Public Library. She also supported Best Friends Animal Rescue.

Clare leaves behind her daughters Michelle Malane (Mike Azrin), Adrienne Malane (Don Barese), Jessica Kingsbury (Dan Kingsbury), and Stephanie Davis (Steve Davis) and grandchildren Sarah Azrin, Ryan and Sofia Davis, and Asa Kingsbury. She also leaves a multitude of friends who will greatly miss her. She has imbued us all with love and strength and her absence will be keenly felt.

Friends and family are invited to visit on Wednesday, May 24, 2023 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Alderson-Ford Funeral Home, 615 South Main St., Cheshire, CT.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Cheshire Historical Society at www.cheshirehistory.org; Artsplace, 1220 Waterbury Rd., Cheshire, CT 06410 (please make checks payable to: Friends of CPFA/Artsplace); Ball and Socket Arts at www.ballandsocket.org; or Friends of the Cheshire Public Library, 104 Main Street, Cheshire, CT 06410.

For more information and to leave online condolences, visit Alderson-Ford Funeral Home here.