Mrs. Clara G. (Parslow) McFarland

Mrs. Clara G. (Parslow) McFarland, age 81, of Utica, passed away on Wednesday, September 19, 2012 at the Faxton-St. Luke’s Healthcare Center with her loving family by her side. Born in Middleburgh, NY on April 19, 1931, Clara was the daughter of the late Delbert and Julia (Parslow) Parslow. She was raised and educated in Middleburgh and in December of 1968, she and her family relocated to Utica. On February 21, 1960 she married Howard J. McFarland who passed away on September 3, 1989; they shared a union which blessed them with 4 children and their families. At one time, Clara worked in the Housekeeping Department and the Front Welcome Desk at the Hotel Utica. She also retired from HTC Corporation where she fulfilled various positions throughout her employment with the company. When she was not at work, she was dedicated to caring for her family and her home. Clara was a strong-willed woman, firm and unwavering in her beliefs, but always with love in her heart. She was talented with arts and crafts, and gifted her hand-knitted and crocheted creations to family and friends. She was an avid reader and enjoyed playing bingo and ski ball, and competing in bowling tournaments where she earned many trophies. She also found pleasure in playing cards with Ralph Filkins. She collected knick-knacks, clocks, and particularly porcelain dolls. She held a deep faith in God and her Catholic beliefs, and her Bible was always near. She was a parishioner of Historic Old St. John’s Church. Clara is survived by her daughter, Susie A. McFarland of Greenville, SC and Moses Ballard, Sr. of Utica; and her son and daughter-in-law, Michael J. and Rosemarie McFarland of Utica. Clara always cherished the memory of her children who passed before her: Karl D. Parslow, and Michelle D. McFarland. Also surviving are her grandchildren, Tanya and Clifton McFarland of Maxwell, TN, Julene McFarland-Gocebeand and Travis Marshall of Utica, Angela McFarland-Vilayvanh and Fongsamuth Vilayvanh of MA, Julius C. Brown III and Rachael Cross of Utica, Moses A. Ballard, Jr. and Caitlin Adams of TN, Aaron M.C. Ballard of Utica, Je'nay Ballard and Shawn Flowers, and Antoinette Dansby, both of SC, Ericka Sageer, Crystal M. Pike, Timothy J. Pike, Alicia M. Levett, and Michael J. Jr. and Shatiqua McFarland, all of Utica, and Jeffery Perham, Sean Perham, and Angela Perham, all of Albany. She was also blessed with many great-grandchildren. She leaves her sister-in-law, Starlene and John Havilland of Albany; and her brothers-in-law and their families, Sonny, Richard, and Ivan. She was predeceased by her grandson, Julius C. Brown, Jr.; her brother and sisters, Frank Parslow, Eleanor Parslow, and Caroline Payne; and her brother-in-law, Frankie Parslow. The family extends great thanks to the Loretto Home for all the years of love and care they rendered to Clara, and the friendship and community she shared. It made her time spent there beautiful. Visitation will be held Sunday from11:00-1:00 p.m. at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. Clara’s funeral service and Celebration of Life will commence on Sunday afternoon at 1:00 at the funeral home immediately upon conclusion of visitation with Rev. John Buehler officiating the ceremony. Interment will take place in Forest Hill Cemetery at the convenience of the family.

Mrs. Clara G. (Parslow) McFarland

April 19, 1931 - September 19, 2012