Clara NIEUWLANDT

7 NOV 1916 - 15 SEP 2011

• BIRTH: 7 NOV 1916, Spencerville, De Kalb, Indiana, USA
• DEATH: 15 SEP 2011, Mishawaka, Indiana

• MARRIAGE: 30 AUG 1941, New Haven, Allen, Indiana, USA

1.  Jerry ARTUSI
2.  Steven L. ARTUSI

INDEX

[N13686] Birth: Nov. 7, 1916
Spencerville, De Kalb County, Indiana, USA
Death: Sep. 15, 2011
Granger, St. Joseph County, Indiana, USA
Clara G. Artusi
Nov. 7, 1916 - Sept. 15, 2011
GRANGER - Clara Artusi, 94, formerly of Mishawaka, passed away on Thursday, September 15 in Arborwood Living Center in Granger with her granddaughter and Hospice workers by her side. Her loved ones take comfort in knowing her soul is finally at peace after battling an extended illness. She often spoke of the day she would meet her Maker and be reunited with those who'd made the journey before her. Clara was born on November 7, 1916 in Spencerville, IN as the daughter of Alfons and Stephanie (DeNeve) Nieuwlandt. She grew up on a farm on the outskirts of Fort Wayne, IN, along with her three sisters, Anna, Mary and Elsie as well as her two brothers, Walter and Firman. Clara lost her mother at an early age and assumed many adult responsibilities while still just a teenager herself. She counted the family dog as her closet companion during those difficult years. She met and later married Libero "Lab" Artusi of Mishawaka on August 30, 1941 in New Haven, IN. The couple permanently resettled in Mishawaka after Libero served his country during World War II. Clara and Lab had two sons, Steve and Jerry. Clara retired from Uniroyal in 1979 after 27 years of employment with the company. Her primary focus in life has always been her family. She cared for her ailing father each and every day during the final years of his life. A devout Catholic, Clara attended Mass every Sunday at Saint Joseph Catholic Church in Mishawaka. She was known to say her rosary at least once a day. Clara taught her granddaughters how to pray and gave them the priceless gift of unwavering faith to sustain them through life's challenges. While very proud of her Belgian heritage, she quickly immersed herself in her husband's Italian culture and became an amazing cook. She was an avid Notre Dame Football fan. Clara also liked to watch the Chicago Cubs play on television. She enjoyed fishing with her eldest son and granddaughters in Michigan. Her favorite pastime was reading paperback romance novels and listening to legendary performers such as Frank Sinatra. Clara was beloved by her sons, her grandchildren, their husbands and great-grandchildren, probably more so than she ever knew. She was always ready with a protective hug, a warm smile, loving words, genuine concern, delicious food and an inviting place to stay. Clara will be greatly missed by all those who loved her. She was a sweet, precious woman who used her time on Earth wisely. She set an excellent example for us to follow. Her ability to overcome adversity and remain strong was truly inspirational. Clara was preceded in death by her husband, Lab; her son, Jerry; her daughter-in-law, Susan; her parents, Stephanie and Alfons; all her brothers and sisters and countless friends and relatives. She is survived by her son, Steven, and his wife, Sue of Mishawaka; her granddaughter, Stephanie (Jaren) Kilian and their two children, Abby and Aidan of Mishawaka and her granddaughter, Jennifer (Dave) Haughs and their two children, Sidney and Benjamin of Indianapolis, IN. Friends and family may visit on Sunday, September 18 from 2 to 4 p.m. in Hahn Funeral Home, 505 W. 8th Street, Mishawaka. A Mass of Christian burial will be held on Monday, September 19 at 10 a.m. in St. Joseph Catholic Church, Mishawaka with Rev. Terry Fisher officiating. Entombment will follow in Fairview Cemetery, Mishawaka. Memorial contributions may be made in Clara's name to The Susan Artusi Scholarship Fund C/O Mishawaka High School, 1202 Lincolnway East, Mishawaka, IN 46544. To leave the family an online condolence or to share memories with the family, please visit our website at www.hahnfuner alhomes.com. Published in South Bend Tribune on September 17, 2011

Burial: Fairview Cemetery, Mishawaka,St. Joseph County, Indiana, USA