Clara Constance Marcus

December 2, 1925 -- March 18, 2026

Clara Constance Marcus passed away peacefully on March 18th at the age of one hundred with her loving family at her side.

Born in Hughson, CA on December 2nd, 1925, Clara was one of seven children born to Joseph and Maria Bettencourt.

She is survived by her son Steve Freitas (Pamela) of Ben Lomond,

daughters Irene Freitas (Jim Houston) of Fiddletown, Carla Marcus Thomas (Jim) of Lander, WY grandchildren Danielle Carlin (Dan) of Boulder Creek and Brad Freitas of Ben Lomond (Gwen); great-grand children Luca and Lily Carlin, her sister Josephine Costa of Tracy, and many nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her husband Frank Marcus and her daughter Lucy Freitas.

Clara attended Banta Grammar School and Tracy High School. She also attended Cabrillo College in Aptos and MJC Modesto. Clara started her career as a secretary at the U.S. Army Defense Depot in Tracy during World War II.

In 1946 she married Manuel Freitas, a dairy farmer. After Manuel passed away at a very young age, she raised their three children and got them involved with western horse riding, attending many shows pulling a trailer with two horses. Eight years later she met Frank Marcus the love of her life, living in Santa Cruz for 15 yrs and then moved to Modesto.

Clara had an amazing zest for life and learning. She always had a positive attitude making friends wherever she went. Clara was always finding a child that was in need of some extra care and attention. She was also fond of her cats and other pets. Clara loved taking computer classes, and her favorite program was Adobe Photoshop. She retired from the County of Santa Cruz, Health Services. Clara was actively involved with many clubs including

St. Joseph’s Seniors, St. Anthony’s, St. Isabel, Luso-American Federation, PFSA, MPPA, Mended Hearts, Lady Bugs, and Young at Heart. Through her many volunteer and social affiliations Clara developed life -long friendships.

She will be missed by us all

Visitation will be on March 31st from 10:00 to 10:30a.m., with Memorial Service and Interment at Lakewood Funeral and Memorial Park, 900 Santa Fe Avenue in Hughson, CA.