Clarice Hartshorn

"A Mother’s love is something, that no one can explain, it is made of deep devotion and of sacrifice and pain, it is endless and unselfish and enduring come what may, for nothing can destroy it or take that love away . . .It is patient and forgiving when all others are forsaking, and it never fails or falters even though the heart is breaking . . . It believes beyond believing when the world around condemns, and it glows with all the beauty of the rarest, brightest gems . . .It is far beyond defining, it defies all explanation, and it still remains a secret like the mysteries of creation . . . A many splendored miracle man cannot understand and another wondrous evidence of God’s tender guiding hand." —HELEN STEINER RICE

Clarice Hartshorn, age 79, peacefully passed away on June 13, 2026, a month shy of her 8oth birthday. Much loved mother to Michael Smolej (deceased), Theresa Stahl (Robert), and Jonathan (Sarah). Cherished grandma to Liam and Matilda Hartshorn and Marie Stahl (deceased). Dearest aunt, great aunt, great great aunt, great great great aunt and cousin. Fond friend to many including those of Dr. Bill and Bob for 50+ years. Preceded in death by beloved family members; parents George and Matilda Smith and sister Annette DiNunzio (Louis). Clarice chose careers that embodied her and her care of others; registered nurse and chemical dependency counselor for a combined 40+ years. Clarice was a lover of nature and of helping people find their way after hardship. She requested no services. Please show your love by donating to Holden Arboretum, Cleveland Botanical Gardens and/or AA Offices of Cleveland 1557 St.Clair Ave NE Cleveland 44114.

Clarice was all that Helen Steiner Rice’s poem depicts. Her pride and love for us, her family near and far, were felt in every single word and action. She took every opportunity to express these feelings and emotions through touch, conversations (voice and text) and cards. She gave us her all. Clarice was everyone’s champion; cheering, encouraging, uplifting and offering honest tips and tricks that spurred you on. These attributes translated in her work as well. Clarice chose the careers of registered nurse and chemical dependency counselor as a way to give back to those who helped her face and work through challenging years and take the coming days one day (sometimes one moment) at a time, to leading a faith filled life. She went above and beyond walking the walk and talking the talk; never asking of others what she would not do or ask of herself. Clarice was never deterred in giving her patients and clients all that they deserved; honesty, compassion, a listening ear, quality care and so much more. Clarice was and had a number of friends; someone who stands by you during difficult times, accepts you without judgment, and actively encourages your personal growth. Thank you to those whom we came to know over the last decade or so but who knew our mom for many more, you most definitely embodied this definition as did she. When Clarice chose to relax and take some down time, a bit of travel, home maintenance, gardening, dancing of all kinds (but especially polkas and waltzes), and enjoying great food of all kinds brought her great joy. These joys continued in her years of retirement as well as years of illness, albeit in different ways. Clarice continued to find life as “glasses half full”, enjoying sunny days closer to home, rainbows, and laughing as birds splashed in her patio birdbath, caring for her mother’s pink roses and flowers in the garden and enjoying meals and desserts (especially anything chocolate) with family and friends. Mom’s wisdom and example live on; “enjoy the little things”, “time is fleeting tell and show your love however you can”, “give yourself grace”, “life is sweeter with a little chocolate”, “be true to yourself”, “be kind always as you never know who may need that smile, kind word or a little grace”. Clarice, you are loved always and forever.

We would like to give our heartfelt thanks to Ahuja Hosptial’s emergency department, 6th floor staff, and palliative care for their above and beyond care of our mom. They mentioned several times that she was like their mom too. Thank you also Western Reserve Hospice who showed great care not just for our mom but for us as well. Both institutions are amazing."

"God took the fragrance of a flower... The majesty of a tree... The gentleness of morning dew...

The calm of a quiet sea... The beauty of the twilight hour... The soul of a starry night...

The laughter of a rippling brook... The grace of a bird in flight...

Then God fashioned from these things, A creation like no other, And when his masterpiece was through, He called it simply - Mother." - HERBERT FARNHAM