It is with sadness to announce the passing of Clarice Moffett. Judy, as she was known to everybody, passed peacefully and comfortably the evening of Wednesday, April 14th. Proceeding her in death was her husband Ralph (2006) and daughter Diana Powell (2020). She is survived by her sons, Robert (Denise) and Richard. Also, grandchildren, Scott Powell, Christopher Powell (Tiffany), Alan Moffett & Lesley Moffett, plus great-grandchildren, Hailey Schleeter-Powell, and Riley & Claire Powell.
Judy was born in Leicester England, north of London, on February 15th, 1926. At an early age, she showed her love of friends, family, and love of God. The family often travelled to the coastal community of Hunstanton for summer holiday. It was here that they first enjoyed a puppet show, “Punch & Judy”. Her brother would be Punch, and Clarice took the name of Judy – which became her lifelong name.
Life in England in the late 30’s and early 40’s was difficult. But she developed the strong British resolve to endure whatever hardships came her way, including countless hours in air raid shelters.
Towards the end of the war, Judy was introduced to an American serviceman, Ralph Moffett, from Oakland, California. Their friendship grew and remained strong after he was assigned elsewhere. They continued to write letters of love, even after the conclusion of the war. In October 1948, Ralph travelled to Leicester to ask Judy for her hand in marriage. They married on the 28th of October and shortly afterwards began a voyage to California. They first came to Monterey as Ralph had landed a job at The Naval Postgraduate School. Early the next year, they bought a house in Pacific Grove. It was here their 3 children were born and raised.
Judy’s love of God took her to St. Mary’s-By-The-Sea Episcopal Church where she joined the parish and choir. Her voice was magnificent and was always recognizable for its beauty and strength. She sang with the choir for close to 60 years and remained active in the church including working in and supporting their Thrift Shop.
Judy gave of herself to many people, family, friends, and new acquaintances. She was a Cub Scout den mom and worked with the Red Cross. She sewed costumes for the youngsters to wear in the Pacific Grove Butterfly parades and made flags for the trumpets in the PG High School band. She was thrilled to see her daughter Diana become Honored Queen of Job’s Daughters and organized the many events they held.
Judy also loved to bake – her pies, cookies, cakes, and tarts were second to none. She would work all day to bake her awesome apple pie only to happily see it devoured by Ralph and the kids. She baked goodies for school and church fundraisers too. Judy loved animals – big and small. She always had a cat in the house and supported the SPCA. Judy also loved the peacefulness of the coastline along Asilomar and Lovers Point and often enjoyed passing the time watching the waves crash ashore.
Over the years Judy often returned to Leicester to visit her parents, her brother, and friends from her youth – especially Mikki. She and Ralph discovered the beauty of Maui and spent many weeks there enjoying the good times of retirement. She loved to travel and see new sights, especially Yosemite.
The Moffett family would like to acknowledge and thank the staff at Forest Hill for the love and support they have given mom thru the years. Judy loved all of you too.
Clarice will be missed by all who knew her. She was always there to lend a hand along with words of wisdom and thanks. Her strength, her love, her compassion, and caring personality was contagious and will be forever missed.
Services are pending the clarification of COVID restrictions.
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