Clare was born in Trenton, NJ on July 19, 1933, the youngest of ten children of John J. Leadem and Anna Koenig Leadem. Clare's parents were of German/Irish descent but Clare always swore her stomach was Italian. She was alternatively known as 'Babe' and 'Red' for her memorable red hair. Clare had wonderful memories of her childhood and her eyes lit up when discussing her favorite toys of a brand new doll that actually came in a box and a shiny Schwinn blue bike given to her by her brother and sister. Clare's mother died when she was just 13 and she cared for her father, whom she took to calling 'John', until his death in 1964.
Clare graduated from Cathedral High School in Trenton, NJ in 1951, an extremely popular girl; a popularity that continued for the rest of her life. In high school, Clare was vice president of her class, financial manager of the yearbook and managed the basketball team. Clare's first professional job was with Bell Telephone running the switchboard where she had to memorize the sound of dropping coins to alert the caller to their time remaining. In her early 20's, Clare enjoyed the city life and the beach, frequently going with friends to New York City and Wildwood, NJ where she fondly remembered keeping the little known Tony Bennet company at a bar, marching down the street with Louis Armstrong and singing along with Bill Haley and the Comets.
Clare met the love of her life, Kenneth Munn, when she was maid of honor for her sister's wedding and he was best man for his brother. Clare and Kenneth celebrated 66 years of marriage last June. They have four children, five grandchildren, one great grandchild and have always treasured their extended family of nieces, nephews and those 'adopted' into the family.
Clare was an amazing stay at home mother for many years. She applied her creativity and prodigious intellect to child raising with clever games such as the handmade 'Clean the House' board game which had the children dusting shelves and racing to re-roll the dice. Clare was known for her classic statements such as "milk or water, take it or leave it". Once the children were of sufficient school age, Clare was enticed back into paid work. Her vivacious, warm personality, combined with her incredible efficiency, led to her being headhunted for two groundbreaking medical positions. Clare was part of the team that established one of the first Ambulatory Surgical Units at Mercer Medical Center in NJ and she was also asked to be the office manager for an innovative diabetic clinic by the founder, a renowned endocrinologist. Clare retired from paid work and she and Kenn retired to Little River, SC in 1993.
Clare is probably best known for her love of family, food, fashion and reading. Clare loved a party and her appetite was as legendary as her warmth and the twinkle in her eyes. Clare had a lifelong passion for DeLorenzo's pizza in NJ (declared by Clare as simply the best pizza 'pies' in the world), McDonald's french fries and any and every form of pasta. In terms of fashion, Clare loved making a style statement and was proudly wearing her red suede boots right until her last party. Clare had the superpower of making each person she met feel loved and special. Her legacy stands far beyond her diminutive frame. Clare described her life as 'splendid' and, above all, lived a very full life 'her way'.
A private celebration of her life will be held this Summer. Those who wish to commemorate her life may consider a contribution to St Judes (stjude.org) or McCleod Foundation Hospice (Donate Now to McLeod Hospice Services - McLeod Health) or alternatively, raise a glass of cheer and a slice of pizza to the truly marvelous Mrs. Clare Anne Leadem Munn.
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