Clara E. Andrews, age 97 of Tracy formerly of Los Angeles CA, passed away April 27, 2019 at the Prairie View Healthcare Center in Tracy. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 1:00 p.m. Thursday, May 2 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Tracy. Visitation will be 1 hour prior to the service at CHURCH on Thursday. A Rosary will be held at 4:00 p.m. Wednesday, May 1 at the Tracy Area Funeral Home. Interment will be in the Calvary Cemetery in Walnut Grove. Stephens Funeral Service – Tracy Area Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.
Clara Elizabeth Andrews was born April 23, 1922 to Paul and Sylvia (Putte) Verstraete in Walnut Grove. She was baptized and confirmed at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Tracy. Clara went to country school in Walnut Grove and later graduated from Tracy High School in 1939. She went to Washington D.C. in 1942 where she worked for the War Production Board as a secretary. Clara returned to Tracy following the war where she met and married Merle Johnson in 1946. Together they made their life in California where she lived for 45 years. While in California, she worked for Litton Industries for many years. In 1976 Clara married John Andrews in California. Following the death of her husband, she retired and returned to Tracy. Clara was active in her church throughout life. She enjoyed crocheting, golfing, and traveling around the world.
Clara is survived by her two step sons; two step grandsons; two step granddaughters; three step great grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her parents, husbands, son Dennis; brothers Raymond, Gus, Louie, Jack, & Frank, and sisters Minnie Cooreman, Margaret Maeyaert, Mary VanDeWynkel, & Gussie Shaw.
I imagine all the aunts and uncles gathering and putting on the coffee pot for a family reunion. Clara has been ready to join them for some time. She was a great example to us of holding firm in her beliefs and faith. May the circle be complete now in the next realm. Love, Judy