Clara Mabel (Wells) Wead

HUBBARDSTON - On February 4, 1933, the family of Winfield and F. Ella (Stone) Wells grew by two feet. Clara Mabel Wells, the youngest of six children, was born in Gardner, MA. The small, rural town of Hubbardston held numerous milestones for Clara: On June 30, 1951, Clara married the love of her life, Raymond Wead, Jr. (also a lifelong resident of Hubbardston). They exchanged vows in this quaint town, beneath a trellis adorned with roses donated by actress, Drew Barrymore’s grandmother, Ethel. Following their honeymoon to Niagara Falls, the newlyweds resided in New York, for a short period of time, where Clara worked as a waitress and awaited the return of her husband from the Korean War. The couple returned to Hubbardston where they built their home and raised their three daughters: Marie, Marge, and Marlene. Clara’s philosophy was to work hard and enjoy life…and that is exactly what she did. Clara retired from Standard Chair of Gardner, where she worked as a quality control inspector. She enjoyed family camping trips, sharing Disney World excursions with her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren, bike rides, long walks, and countless miles on her treadmill. She felt most at ease in her garden and her kitchen. The beauty of her soul can be seen in the glory of her flower gardens. She was mesmerized by the simplicity and beauty of nature. The home that she and her husband built together was the perfect setting for Clara to enjoy the dancing of birds, witness the soft footsteps of deer, an occasional black bear crossing the street, or even a moose siting. All who knew Clara secretly hoped that a fresh-baked apple pie, a plate of devil dogs, or a batch of cookie dough would await them during a visit. She was a fabulous baker, the envy of her family. When stricken with cancer, she refused to let it take over her zest for life. As a matter of fact, Clara combatted the illness by showing it life: She continued to travel to Connecticut to visit her brother and sister-in-law. She travelled to the lake and to the mountains with her family. She laughed and played with her great grandchildren. Old-time country music brought Clara both joy and inner peace. She left each of her loved ones with a song that held a special connection between her heart and that individual. Yet, the thing that brought Clara her greatest pleasure was holding hands with her husband of 66 years, as they cheered together for the Boston sports teams. Clara transitioned from this world to her Father’s home on Sunday, May 28, 2017. Those she has left behind will miss her dearly: Her husband, Raymond Wead, Jr.; her daughters, Marie Drake and her husband, Walter of Hubbardston, Marge LaPorte and her husband, Spence of Myrtle Beach, and Marlene Phelps and her husband, Robert of Marshfield. In addition, she leaves two goddaughters, Linda Tremblay and her husband, David of Gardner and Diane Kane and her husband, Thomas of Phillipston; two sisters, Flora Kennedy of Higginsville, MO and Ruth Morain of Pensacola, FL; her cousin, Shirley and her niece, Ann Marie. She also leaves seven grandchildren, Derek Drake and his wife, Stacey, Charissa Butterfield and her husband, Kyle, Kathy Hurley and her husband, Tim, Michael LaPorte and his wife, Courtney, Amie LaPorte and her fiancée, Scott Johnson, Andrew LaPorte and Katelyn Phelps. Clara also leaves nine great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. Those who have gone before Clara have welcomed her home: Her parents, Winfield G. and F. Ella (Stone) Wells, and her brothers, Frank, Allen and Harold. A memorial service will be held privately. Memorial contributions may be made to Angie’s Spa Cancer Foundation, 414 Albermarle Rd., Unit 6A, Brooklyn, NY 11218. Miles Funeral Home, 1158 Main St., Holden is assisting the family with arrangements. To share a memory or offer an online condolence, the family welcomes you to visit our “Guest Book” here on our page.