Clare Janet McFarlane

September 4, 1933 — July 3, 2026

Clare Janet (McClain) McFarlane, 92, of Gig Harbor, Washington, passed away peacefully on July 3, 2026, while in hospice care, surrounded by family.

Clare was born September 4, 1933, in Pinconning, Michigan, to Oma Juanita Tanner and Clarence Levester McClain, and grew up in Bay City. The daughter of a beekeeper, she spent her childhood following her father around the farm, learning the biology of bees at his side — a love of science and nature that stayed with her for life. In high school, that curiosity blossomed into a genuine passion for science. In her youth she enjoyed ice skating, and in her twenties took up horseback riding at a local stable.

Over the course of her life, Clare worked as a cosmetologist, photographer, counselor, job coach, and in senior care — always drawn to work that helped others. She was a gifted artist whose paintings were known for their intricate, hidden details, rewarding viewers who looked closely with something new each time. She was also a gifted writer, publishing books and articles throughout her life. An avid scuba diver, she served as president of the Scuba Diving Club of California and published a book on the best scuba diving spots in California. Her curiosity and zest for life led her to try nearly everything, immersing herself fully in whatever caught her interest. A devoted Catholic, she dabbled in everything and enjoyed life to the fullest. She was honored with a Volunteer of the Year award in Redding, California, signed by President Bush. Above all, Clare lived by her own words: "Life is all about attitude."

Clare was a loving mother to three daughters. In her final years, she lived with her daughter Kissy, a season both of them cherished as a blessing.

She is survived by her daughters, Kissy Marie Rose and Aime Hall; grandchildren Joshua Rose, Caleb Strombeck, Kelley Rose Farris (Eric Farris), Saban Hardesty (Shawna), Maurice Jansen, and Michelle Jansen; great-grandchildren Payton Rose, Paislee Rose, Natalie Rose, Saban Jr., Ayla, Aliya Hardesty, Justina Jansen, and Shyanne Goody (Marco); great-great-grandchild Carl Goody; sister Rose McNally; and brother Bruce Burkel. She also held a special fondness for her nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Oma Juanita Tanner and Clarence Levester McClain; her brothers Larry, Roger, and Kurt McClain; her sisters Ila McClain and Sarah Bell; and her beloved daughter, Penny Sue Hall.

Per her wishes, Clare will be laid to rest with her two sisters in Michigan. A celebration of her life will continue in the hearts of her family and friends, through the many fond memories she leaves behind.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the National Geographic Society.