Obituary of Clare Root

Clare Somerder Root, age 93, of Erie, passed away on Sunday, July 26, 2015. She was born in Erie on June 2, 1922, daughter of the late Josef and Helen Somerder. Clare was a graduate of Harbor Creek High School. She was a former Girl Scout Leader and was the past president of the PTA at Diehl Elementary, East High, and Academy High Schools. Clare was a member of Kingsley United Methodist Church where she had served on many committees, the Siebenbuerger Auxiliary, the Squaws and Paws Square Dance Club and Gospel Hill Garden Club. For many years she was active with the Salvation Army Erie Senior Day Center, where she led the Kitchen Band and the Chorus. She enjoyed music and piano and used her talents to give back to others. Clare is survived by one son, Edward Root (Kathleen) of Concord, Ohio; one daughter, Linda Bradley of Marietta, Ohio; one brother, Hubert Somerder (Phyllis) of Ft. Walton Beach, Florida.; one sister, Bertha Jazenski of Lawrence Park; three grandchildren, Courtney Root, Amanda Fulton (Anthony) and Christy Bradley; four great-grandchildren, Heather and Brooke Bradley, Rebekah Fulton, and Christopher Anderson; two great-great-grandchildren, Emmilyn and Kaidence; and many nieces and nephews. Clare was preceded in death by her husband of 50 years, Melvin Root, a daughter, Diane Root, and three brothers, Herbert, Robert and Albert Somerder. Friends may call at the Dusckas-Martin Funeral Home, Inc., 4216 Sterrettania Rd. on Wednesday from 4 to 8 p.m. and on Thursday from 10 a.m. until the time of the Funeral Service there at 11 a.m. Interment, Lakeside Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Salvation Army, 1022 Liberty St., Erie, Pa. 16502 or Kingsley United Methodist Church, 913 Cranberry St., Erie, PA 16502. To send condolences, please visit www.dusckasfuneralhome.com.