Clare Michalsen

Clare Margaret Michalsen (Slife) passed away on Wednesday, August 21, 2024 at Blue Water Hospice Home in Marysville.

She was born in Lakewood, Ohio to the late Charles J. and Margaret M. Slife (McEvoy). Clare graduated from Magnificat High School in Rocky River. She went on to complete a degree in Occupational Therapy from Eastern Michigan University, a Master’s Degree from Wayne State University, and had over 30 additional graduate hours.

Clare worked in the Port Huron Area School District for over 40 years as an occupational therapist. She loved her work helping others and making life easier for the kids and families. She helped them with feeding, using their hands to get things, standing, walking, using wheelchairs, and using their bodies to get up and move as much as possible. She was instrumental in organizing a means to lend toys, supplies, books, and making therapy fun!

Playing tennis and pickleball, taking long walks, and gardening were some of Clare’s favorite things to do. She absolutely loved her walks on the beach collecting beach glass on the shore of Lake Huron.

Clare is survived by her sister and brother-in-law, Anne and Roger Hollier of Brighton, MI; nephews, Pete (Becky) Slife, Gibb (Marike) Slife of New York; special niece, Kristen (Justin) Napolitano of Suwanee, Georgia; great niece and nephews, James Quentin, Parker McEvoy, and Holly A. Slife of New York, and Ethan D., Evan J., and Nicolas E. Napolitano of Suwanee Georgia; and many cousins and dear friends. She was preceded in death by a brother, James A. (Mary) Slife and a sister, Mary Sue (Ed) Saunders.

Clare was a kind and caring friend, neighbor, and aunt. She was a great encourager to many. Clare felt that it was always important to find something positive to say about others. She would always suggest that everyone look out for one another and offer help when needed!

Memorial donations in the name of Clare Slife Michalsen may be made to the Lakewood Public Library or to the Port Huron Area School District Occupational Therapy Program. Donations can be made by coming to the funeral home or by mail to the following addresses with Attn: Clare Slife Michalsen Memorial:

Lakewood Public Library 15425 Detroit Ave. Lakewood, OH 44107

Port Huron Area School District Department of Special Education Services Occupational Therapy 2720 Riverside Dr. Port Huron, MI 48060

Clare’s last wish was that “you do something nice for someone” in her memory.

Arrangements made by Karrer-Simpson Funeral Home. To send condolences, visit karersimpson.com