Clarita was born on March 8,1931, in Streetman, Texas.
At the age of 8, she moved to the Dallas area to live with extended family after the death of her mother. She met the love of her life and husband of 72 years, Joe Cangelose, at their high school prom. He was NOT her date, but he did manage to drive her home that night and turn it into forever. Together they built a life, a business and a family.
Clarita earned accreditation in interior design from SMU, enjoyed a good margarita, keeping up with décor and fashion trends, traveling and preparing amazing meals for her family. She was an inspiring role model for her granddaughters, displaying strength and independence with overwhelming confidence. She possessed a sharp, no-nonsense honesty that you couldn’t help but admire. Her youngest son called her “particular” which is a nice way of understating her ability to influence a course of events. She knew how to laugh, cut a rug on the dance floor and toss a salad perfectly. Her friendships were many and lifelong and her heart surprisingly soft.
Clarita is survived by her husband, Joe; their son Tim, his wife Jamie, granddaughters Cameron and Kelsey; Kelsey’s husband, Ben Alexander and first great-grandchild, Ashe (born a little more than 3 hours after her death); their son, Andre, his wife Andrea and grandchildren Aria and Anson Hamilton; their son, Jacques, his wife Tammy, and grandson, Devin.
A viewing and services will take place Friday, January 21st, at Sparkman Hillcrest Funeral Home. Visitors are invited to come as follows: viewing 9 a.m., funeral service 10 a.m., graveside service 11 a.m., with reception to follow.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.Sparkman-Hillcrest.com for the Cangelose family.
