Clara Manzardo

Clara Mae Manzardo - age 88, of Linden passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family on September 12, 2021. Clara was a beautiful, kind & sensitive soul who loved her family more than anything in the world. She was an extraordinary mother, wife, grandmother & human being and will be missed beyond words.

Funeral Mass will be celebrated 11:00 AM Friday, September 17, 2021 at St.John the Evangelist Catholic Church, 600 N. Adelaide St, Fenton.  Fr. Robert Copeland celebrant.  Entombment at the Mausoleum at New Calvary Catholic Cemetery.  Visitation will be held at Sharp Funeral Homes, Fenton Chapel, 1000 Silver Lake  Road, Fenton Thursday from 4-8 PM where a Rosary will be prayed at 7:00 PM, and Friday at the church from 10:00 AM until the time of the Mass.  Those desiring may make contributions to St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church.

Clara was born May 18, 1933 in Flint, Michigan to Maria (Hartwig) & Ralph Olson. She was the second of three daughters and was proceeded in death by her parents & both her sisters Charlotte Davis and Dorothy Bosworth who she missed dearly.

Clara had a beautiful voice and enjoyed singing in the Glee Club at Flint Central High School where she made special life-long friendships. She was involved in planning Class of 1951 reunions and loved visiting with her high school friends & sharing memories. After high school Clara was employed at AC Sparkplug assembly plant in Flint for 10 years and was honored to be crowned as “Miss AC Sparkplug” in 1956, spending a fun-filled year as the company spokesmodel.

On March 12, 1962, Clara married the love of her life, Frank Manzardo, and happily settled into what she described as “the best years of her life” as a full-time mom raising their 3 children. She excelled at motherhood, it was truly her calling. She was kind, patient and gentle with a smile that could light up the room. When the grandkids came along she was absolutely in heaven!  She loved every minute with them, showering them with her love, time & attention. They were her pride & joy and they adored her.

She leaves to cherish her beautiful memory, husband Frank; son Matt (Michelle) Manzardo of Highland; daughters Lorie (Larry) Gavulic of Fenton and Ann Manzardo of Shawnee KS; granddaughters Morgan & Madison Gavulic; grandson Mario Manzardo and step-grandchildren Angela & Dominic Haddad.

Special thank you to Heartland Hospice Care for their truly amazing & compassionate service during this difficult time.