Young Clara San Juan earned her nursing degree. She departed the Philippines at eighteen years of age and moved to the United States of America where she traveled extensively as a nurse through the Unites States and Canada. At forty-two years of age, while working in Chicago, she married Richard Nielsen, the man of her dreams, and they began a wonderful life together.
Mrs. Nielsen continued nursing until her retirement in her mid-sixties. At that time, she and Richard moved to Royal Palm Beach, Florida, and built Clara’s dream home. During their retirement, they traveled extensively all around the world.
Mrs. Nielsen was an avid reader of romance novels and enjoyed gardening. Roses, tulips, and orchids were among her favorites. She was a “great cook” and especially loved preparing big meals for large family gatherings. After Richard’s passing in 2021, she moved to the Nashville area to be near her daughters and their families.
Mrs. Nielsen is preceded in death by her father, Jose San Juan; her mother, Rufina (Del Rosario) San Juan; and siblings Maxima Miciano, Constantino San Juan, Perfecto San Juan, Julia San Juan, and Angel San Juan. She is survived by siblings Teodoro San Juan and Rosario Del Mundo; by her daughters Renee Clevenger and Nicole Nielsen; grandchildren Joseph Connor Clevenger, Daemon Gable Clevenger, Skylar Jenne’ Clevenger, Logan Xavier Clevenger, Rowan Michael Clevenger, Aster Nielsen-Stosik, and Campbell Nielsen-Stosik; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family.
There will be a Gathering of Family & Friends on Monday, November 6, from 12pm – 2pm at Hermitage Funeral Home. The Funeral Liturgy will begin in the chapel of the funeral home at 2:00pm with Deacon Mike Wilkins officiating. Following the service, Mrs. Nielsen will be laid to rest with her husband in the Garden of Rachel at Hermitage Memorial Gardens with Father John Baker officiating.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared with the Nielsen family at HermitageFH.com.
