Clara G. Merola, 91, of Worcester died peacefully December 24, 2014 Christmas Eve surrounded by her loving family. Clara is survived by her loving family, a sister Lillian Bolduc, a sister in law Marion Merola, and several nephews, nieces, and great nephews and great nieces, She also leaves great great nephews and nieces.also many good friends among them Gladys Bello. She was predeceased by a sister Mary DelGreco and two brothers, John and Louis Merola. Clara was born in Worcester daughter of the late Nicholas and Lucia (Pomponio) Merola and lived here all her life. She was a graduate of North High School, and the New England Institute of Accounting. She received her Associate Degree in Risk Management from the Insurance Institute of America. In 1947 Clara joined the the State Mutual Life Assurance Company as a supervisor in the Investment Accounting Department; then promoted as supervisor of the Policy Loan Department and again promoted as Senior Administrator of Corporate Insurance. She retired in 1987 after forty years of service. Clara has been a member of the Worcester Sons of Italy Lodge # 168 since 1960, and served as a Trustee, Mistress of Ceremonies, and Lodge Delegate to the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts Conventions. She served many years in the Princess Maria Gabriella Lodge Scholarship Committee, and was a past treasurer of the Columbus Day Festival. Ever since Clara joined the Sons of Italy Lodge she has been an active member serving on numerous Committees and always volunteering to help. In 1965 Clara was a Charter Member of the Calvary Guild of the Passionist Fathers community. For twenty years she served as their secretary and board member of the organization. She was involved in many fund raisers for the Worcester County Orphans of Italy Inc. which maintains several youth centers for children in Italy. In 2005 Clara was awarded the Worcester Lodge # 168 Sons of Italy Achievement Award, and was given a Key to the City Award. She enjoyed playing Bocce, Liked to Travel, and do all sorts of crafts. As a former member of the Court Bishop O'Leary Catholic Daughters of America, Clara assisted in many monthly birthday parties for the Nazareth Home for Boys. She was also a charter member and vice president of the Women's Auxiliary of the American Legion Post # 201. She was a life member of the Church of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel-St Ann which she loved being a part of her whole life.Clara was also a member of the San Vitaliano Womens Society.She was an active volunteer for the Partners in Charity, The Women's Guild, and was the Treasurer of the Mt. Carmel Golden Years Club, also the Italian American Cultural Center. She was also a member of the Worcester Senior Volunteer Program. She will be sadly missed by her family and many friends. She was a kind and gentle women who always had concern for her family and their well being. Clara's funeral Mass of Christian burial will be held on Tuesday at 11:00AM in the Church of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel-St Ann 24 Mulberry St. Calling hours IN THE CHURCH will be from 9AM to 10:45AM prior to the Mass. Interment will be in St. Johns Cemetery. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to the Renovation Fund of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel-St Ann Church at the above address. To leave a message of condolence for Clara's family or share a special memory please visit her memorial site. mercadantefuneral.com