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Clara Rita Joyce formerly of Steubenville, Ohio passed away peacefully in White Plains, New York on September 21, 2022 at the age of 68. Clara was the youngest child of the late Robert Emmett Joyce and Mary Agnes Joyce, nee Flynn.
Clara was a graduate of Jefferson Union High School ('71) and recently attended their 50th Reunion with her fellow classmates. She received her BS in Education from Franciscan University ('75) and went on for a MS in Education from the University of Dayton ('84).
Clara pursued a career in education and was a dedicated teacher for 30 years (known to her students as Mrs. Martin) and a principal for the last 7 years in the Harrison Hills City School District before she retired in 2012. Her commitment to the students of the community made an impact on countless lives including many future teachers.
Since retiring, she continued to pursue her love of travel and completed her goal of visiting all 50 states with family trips to Hawaii and Alaska in recent years. Above all else, Clara loved spending time with her granddaughter Audree who was the apple of her eye and whom she loved to the moon and back!
Proud of her Irish heritage and Catholic faith, Clara was an active member of the Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians where she was a charter member of the Mary Immaculate Jefferson County Division and culminated as Ohio LAOH President from 2017 to 2019. Her enthusiasm for continued education was evident in her involvement in the Adult Lifelong Learning group where she served on the Board. Over the years, she belonged to numerous local professional, community, and church organizations including Alpha Delta Kappa (sorority for women educators), Kappa Delta Pi (honor society in education), the Harrison Hills Teachers Association, Ohio Retired Teachers Association, and the Blessed Sacrament Catholic Women's Club.
Clara is survived by her beloved sons, Bradley (Brian) Martin of White Plains, NY and Douglas (Breanna) Martin of Norfolk, Virginia; her granddaughter Audree Martin; her brothers, Michael (Connie) Joyce of Calabash, NC and Terrance Joyce of Sumter, SC; her favorite nephews, Patrick (Melinda) Joyce and their daughter Erin of Weirton, WV, Eric (Ashley) Joyce and their daughter Maddie of Fairborn, OH, and Kevin (Tessa) Joyce of Wheeling, WV; her former husband Gary Martin; her former daughter-in-law Rachelle Martin; and numerous extended family.
To celebrate and honor Clara's life, family and friends will gather on Friday, October 21 from 12-2 pm and 3-6 pm at Mosti Funeral Home at 4435 Sunset Boulevard, Steubenville. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, October 22 at 10 am at Blessed Sacrament Church in Wintersville. Interment will follow at Mt. Calvary Cemetery in Steubenville. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Clara's memory to the St. Vincent de Paul Ministry of Blessed Sacrament Church, which operates a food pantry in the Wintersville and Bloomingdale areas.
Offer condolences, www.mostifuneralhome. com