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Clara P. Bellman
Clara Bellman passed away on March 16, 2025 in Nags Head, NC at the age of 102.
Clara was born November 25, 1922 in Charleston, SC to Ethel (Welling) and Ralph Poole. Ralph was a U.S. Navy Corpsman, and so, Clara lived around the world including Nicaragua, Puerto Rico, The Philippines, and China – wherever Ralph was assigned.
As a young adult Clara joined the American Red Cross and served in Post-War Japan where she met her husband Robert (Bob) Bellman, an American Army Lieutenant assigned to the Occupation of Japan.
They lived for many years in Reading, Massachusetts. Clara was a school secretary at Coolidge, Highland and Joshua Eaton schools in Reading. She enjoyed quilting and swimming and was an avid reader.
Upon retirement, they moved to Southington, CT where Clara stayed active by volunteering at the YMCA, playing Mahjong, and socializing at the Calendar House Senior Center.
Clara was pre-deceased by her parents, by her husband Bob, and by her brother John Poole and his wife Mary Stuart Smith.
Clara is survived by her son, Michael; beloved Daughter-in-Law, Cheryl; Granddaughter Melissa Valentine and her husband Sean; Granddaughter Sarah Ristway and her husband Kevin; and two Great Granddaughters Molly Valentine and Hannah Ristway.
A celebration of life will be held at a future date in Southington, CT. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation, in Clara’s name, to the Southington, CT YMCA. Please leave a message of comfort at gallopfuneralservices.com.
Condolences
Mike and Cheryl, We are so sorry for your loss. Please accept our heartfelt condolences in the passing of Clara, who was a strong independent woman and who spoke her mind. We always appreciated how she welcomed us and treated us like family. Our thoughts are with you and your family during this difficult time.
Dear Michael, Cheryl and family, Clara was a wonderful lady and a true friend to many. We enjoyed knowing her and spending time in her company. May she rest in peace. Our sincere condolences to all of you. Dolores and Phil
Dear Mike, Cheryl & Family: Please accept our deepest condolences to you over the loss of your mother. We wish you peace and comfort. May you be comforted by your memories. Love - Deb & Wayne Krout
Cheryl and Mike, Please accept our deepest condolences in the passing of Clara. We will always be grateful for having known Clara. She was an example of strength and determination. We will miss her and her beautiful smile. May you find comfort in knowing that she is finally at peace.
Mike and Cheryl, We are so sorry for your loss. Please accept our heartfelt condolences in the passing of Clara, who was a strong independent woman and who spoke her mind. We always appreciated how she welcomed us and treated us like family. Our thoughts are with you and your family during this difficult time.
Dear Michael, Cheryl and family,
Clara was a wonderful lady and a true friend to many. We enjoyed knowing her and spending time in her company. May she rest in peace. Our sincere condolences to all of you.
Dolores and Phil
Dear Mike, Cheryl & Family: Please accept our deepest condolences to you over the loss of your mother. We wish you peace and comfort. May you be comforted by your memories. Love – Deb & Wayne Krout
Cheryl and Mike,
Please accept our deepest condolences in the passing of Clara. We will always be grateful for having known Clara. She was an example of strength and determination. We will miss her and her beautiful smile. May you find comfort in knowing that she is finally at peace.