Louise Clare

Margery Louise Luna Clare passed away at her home on April 8, 2011, after a short illness. A beloved wife and mother, Louise blessed all who knew her with a gentle spirit, deep faith, and quiet strength.

Louise was born to Frank and Gracie Luna on May 14, 1931, in Jayton, Texas. She graduated from Abilene High School and attended Abilene Christian College in the late 1940s. On February 16, 1950, she married Everett Ollin Clare, in Abilene, Texas; they recently celebrated their 61st wedding anniversary.

Louise and Everett lived in Austin for more than fifty years, much of that time in the same house in South Austin. At various times, Louise worked for Texas Instruments, Clare's Auto Service, and Clare's Player Pianos. An active member in the Westside Church of Christ at the time of her death, she had worshipped in past years with several Austin-area Churches of Christ, including Westover Hills, Southside, University Hills and Ford Village.

Louise and Everett owned and operated Clare’s Player Pianos for almost 40 years, rebuilding, restoring, and servicing player pianos. What began as a hobby in 1972 grew into a full-time operation run from their home, and almost every room in their house includes at least a few music rolls or spare piano parts.

Louise enjoyed spending time with her family and will be sorely missed by the many who loved her. She is survived by Everett Clare, her husband of 61 years; two sons and daughters-in-law, Ronald and Susie Clare and David and Belinda Clare of Austin; daughter and son-in-law, Elaine and David Hopkins of Austin; five grandchildren; numerous great-grandchildren; one great-great grandchild; a sister, Darlene Fielder of Brownwood; a sister-in-law, Colleen Luna of Abilene; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents and two brothers, Odell and Joe Luna.

All who knew Louise will miss her quick laugh, generous spirit and easy-going temperament. She truly enjoyed each day’s small blessings and weathered difficulties and disappointments with a calm assurance that was not shaken even in the final days of her life.

Visitation services will be from 3-5 p.m. Sunday at Weed-Corley-Fish Funeral Home on South Congress, and the funeral will be Monday at 10 a.m. at the same location. Graveside services will be held Tuesday at 11 a.m. at the Oplin Texas Cemetery.