Clara Peplinski

Preceding her in death are husband Leonard Leo Peplinski, son Robert Lloyd Peplinski, and sister Patrica Runnels. She is survived by Timothy James Peplinski (son), Sharon Lee Peplinski (daughter), Daniel Kevin Peplinski (son), and Bristol (furkid); Barbara Mountain (sister), and Josephine Barickman(sister).

Born in Cleveland, Ohio on July 28, 1935, to Eleanore (née Litke) and Mike Dzurella, Clara and her 3 sisters grew up on their grandparents’ farm in Meadville, PA). She married Navy veteran and electrical engineer Leonard on October 29, 1960, and raised a family of 4 in Erie, PA; before moving first to Cary, then to Garner, North Carolina.

Clara fell under the spell of Shetland Sheepdogs, afterward never without the companionship of 1 or 2 or 3 (or 6: puppies!). They brought her much joy and love, and enabled many cherished friendships.

Clara led an adventurous and active life in her later years, always on the go. Between frequent travels around the country to visit with family, Clara ventured beyond the continental US, including trips to visit distant relatives in Slovakia; an African safari; an Alaskan cruise. Clara hiked in many and various national and state parks, ever determined to tackle the next mountain; and delighting in every deer sighting, never taking a single one for granted. She had a daredevil spirit, and playfulness; around age 50, she took up skydiving, and after 60 she could be found on zip-line courses in the NC mountains. At age 80, she conquered a Go Ape ropes course. And the pink, or blue, or purple hair! She would relax and spend quiet time with a jigsaw puzzle, a newspaper, a word-search puzzle, a view of the hummingbird feeder, or lunch with friends.

Throughout all of this runs a background passion for daily walks with her dogs at the local parks, frequenting Umstead State Park, then Bond Park, and later the White Oak/Lake Benson greenways. Outgoing person that she was, those walks led her to meet some wonderful people, and forge bonds of friendship with them. She was ever grateful for those friendships, and for the support and camaraderie of her church community. Her heart and cheer are sorely missed, but what a fun and full life she has had! She enjoyed all of life’s ups; and faced all of life’s downs with strength, independence, and force of will.

The Peplinski family will receive friends on Tuesday, October 1, 2024 from 5:30-6:30 PM at Brown-Wynne Funeral Home, 200 SE Maynard Rd, Cary, NC 27511. The funeral mass will be held on Wednesday, October 2, 2024 at 1:00 PM at St Mary Mother of the Church Catholic Parish of Garner, 1008 Vandora Springs Rd, Garner, NC 27529.

Memorial donations may be directed to:

Triangle Sheltie Rescue of North Carolina: https://triangleshelties.com/

Saint Mary, Mother of the Church Catholic Parish of Garner: https://www.stmarygarner.org/