Obituary of Clara Mae Durant

Clark Mills – Mrs. Clara Mae Durant, age 90, passed away June 14, 2022, at the Eastern Star Home, with her loving daughter by her side. She was born in Utica on August 27, 1931, the daughter of the late William and Clara (Broedel) Humphrey. She graduated from UFA and Faxton School of Nursing. Clara Mae was married to Richard J. Metzler Jr., and through their union, they were blessed with their three children. Clara Mae was then married to John “Jack” Durant for 38 years until his passing in 2017. She was a member of Historic Old St. John’s Church, where she served as a eucharistic minister and volunteered in their food pantry. Clara Mae worked as a nurse at Faxton Hospital, Presbyterian Home and with Civil Defense. She then worked as a director of nursing at Eden Park Nursing Home, retiring as the Administrator. She was proud to be a nurse and was well-respected in her field. Clara Mae never sat idle. She continued working and volunteering after her retirement. Family always came first. She enjoyed baking with her grandchildren and loved to bake and decorate wedding cakes for family and friends. Some of her best times were spent with her family in the Adirondacks. She is survived by her daughter, Geri Metzler of Clark Mills; two daughters-in-law, Linda Metzler of Chadwicks, and Dory Metzler of New Hartford; stepchildren, John and Rosemarie Durant of Loudonville; seven grandchildren, Allison (David) Vore, Erin (Paul) Muzio, Nicole (Nicholas) Gudyka, Steven (Brie) Metzler Jr., Kristen (fiance Andrell) Metzler, Jaime Durant and Alyssa Durant; six great-grandchildren, Cadence, Weston, Natalie, Greta, Otto and Axel; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. She always carried the memories of her sons in her heart, Richard J. Metzler III and Steven W. Metzler Sr. She was also predeceased by her brother and sister-in-law, William and Sally Humphrey Jr; brother-in-law, Gene Arcand; and Goddaughter, Diane Humphrey. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10am Tuesday, June 21, 2022, at Historic Old St. John’s Church in Utica. There will be no public calling hours. Arrangements by Owens-Pavlot & Rogers Funeral Service. Please consider donations in her memory to Tunnel To Towers Foundation T2T.org, Food Pantry at Historic Old St. John’s Church, or a charity of your choice. The family thanks Dr. Aranda and the staff at Eastern Star Home for their wonderful care and compassion.