Clara T. Hurley

Clara Kernan Tebetts Hurley, “Chee Chee” – 87, of Hollywood, CA died suddenly on Monday, April 15, 2013, while traveling in the Republic of Benin, in Africa. Clara was born October 13, 1925, in Mt. Lebanon, PA, the daughter of Earl Edward Tebetts, Sr. and Clara Ann Donahoe. She was a graduate of Mount Mercy College (now Carlow University) in Pittsburgh, PA. On April 18, 1949 she married Joseph Gerard Hurley of Jeanette, PA and in 1950 they moved to Los Angeles, where Joe began a prosperous career as a personal injury attorney and real estate developer.

Clara had a long and successful career breeding Rottweiler show dogs, with her business partner, the late Michael Grossman, under the name “Powderhorn/Wencrest Rottweilers”, she owned/bred prize-winning rottweilers including: Multi-best in show (BIS), BISS winner, CH Nelson van het Brabentpark. She also wrote books and articles concerning Rottweiler breeding and translated and published many books written by German breeders under Powderhorn Press. Clara was instrumental in creating the Rottweiler Registry, Biodex, to chart hip dysplasia, a common ailment within the breed. She also helped in the establishment of many Rottweiler Clubs throughout the world, including the California Golden State Rottweiler Club.

Clara was an avid world traveler, having been to all seven continents, all five oceans and over 90 countries. She had a particular fondness for animals and enjoyed watching penguins in Antarctica, polar bears in the Arctic, and big game in Africa. Clara loved art, in particular the Impressionists, and her travels allowed her to visit many of the world’s greatest museums.

Predeceased by her parents, her brother Earl Edward Tebbets, Jr. and her husband, Clara is the last of her immediate family. She is survived by cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends, most notably Geraldine Cerkovnik, her devoted traveling companion, who she thought of as a daughter.

Visitation will take place from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Monday, April 22, 2013 at Valley Funeral Home, 2121 W. Burbank Blvd., Burbank, CA 91506 (818- 845-3766). Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Tuesday, April 23, 2013 at 10 a.m. at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church, 10800 Moorpark St., North Hollywood, CA 91602 (818-766-3838), followed by interment at the San Fernando Mission Cemetery, 11160 Stranwood Ave., Mission Hills, CA 91345 (818-361-7387). In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to: Sisters of Mercy Pittsburgh Diocese, Providence St Joseph Foundation, or the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals.