Elizabeth Ann McClear Obituary
Elizabeth Ann “Betsy” McClear, born January 27, 1936 to Margaret and
James Smith, passed away July 15, 2025.
Elizabeth was preceded in death by her husband, Donald McClear in
2022, her son Richard Wallace in 2001, and her parents. She was a devoted
mother to Cathy LaParl, Connie Wallace, Carol Hoch, David (Tori) Wallace, and
Christian McClear. She adored and was so proud of her grandchildren Mark
(Nina) Frattini, Joe (Lorena) LaParl, Joshua Hoch, April Reynolds, and Kiley
Wallace as well as her great grandchildren Dominic LaParl, Matthew LaParl, and
Matteo Frattini. Elizabeth is also survived by her dear sister Mary K. (Stan) Theis
of Traverse City, nephew Jayme Theis, niece Mindy Theis, and many other
nieces and nephews from days gone by.
Betsy spent her entire life in Jackson, MI, and she was regularly teased to
be the reigning historian of all people and places in the city.
Betsy retired from Republic Bank, now Huntington Bank, where she
formed lasting friendships. Starting out as a teller and retiring as a compliance
officer, she demonstrated throughout her career an ability to foresee, navigate,
and solve a problem before it happened.
Not one to sit idle in retirement, she became an avid fan and follower of
her grandkids’ football, baseball, and soccer games as well as their musical
endeavors. Throughout the years, she enjoyed keeping up with family
escapades via Facebook and took delight in pictures posted and adventures
related by family and friends alike.
A gifted storyteller, Betsy narrated with a quick wit and recall of people,
places, and things, yet no story was told the same way twice. Betsy possessed
a strong Catholic faith and was a decades long member of St. Mary’s Star of the
Sea church where she loved to introduce family not only to the teachings of
Christ but the annual Lenten fish fry.
Rest in peace, Elizabeth. You were forever a force of nature. Your shoes
can never be filled, nor will your love and loyalty be forgotten.
The family wishes to extend their gratitude to Henry Ford Hospice and
Elizabeth’s hospice nurse and friend, Caitlin Dale and to her special aide and
friend Brigitte Cook. You melted her with your “I love you’s.” Many, many thanks
also to the nurses and staff of Summit Park Assisted Living for their kindness
and devotion to Betsy.
Matthew 25:21. “His lord said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful
servant; you have been faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many
things. Enter into the joy of your lord.’”
