Clara Josephine McNichol, retired registered nurse
Clara "Clarabelle" "Cissy" Josephine McNichol, 74, of Lewes, passed away Monday, Sept. 11, 2023. She was born May 19, 1949, in Philadelphia, Pa., daughter of the late Thomas L. and Margaret Mary (Donahue) Petroski.
Clara graduated from John W. Hallahan Catholic High School Class of 1967. She furthered her education at Philadelphia Community College, earning her associate degree in nursing, all while raising her six children. A natural caregiver, Clara's life's work was as a registered nurse, and she dedicated many years to her career and helping others, working for Nazareth and Temple Hospital in Philadelphia, Pa., and later at Beebe Hospital in Lewes, where she started the PICC Line program.
She was a child of God and a faithful member of St. Jude the Apostle Church in Lewes. Clara enjoyed going to the beach, feeling the sun on her face, and having her toes in the sand. Coastal living afforded her the enjoyment of her favorite hobbies such as kayaking, crabbing and boating. She was an excellent baker and loved trying different recipes for her beloved children. Never one to stay idle, she was active in her community and gave her time often to the service of others. Clara was instrumental in the annexation of Donovan-Smith Mobile Home Park in the city of Lewes, where she lived and worked in her retirement. Spending time with her friends and family was what she cherished above all. Clara was fearless, determined and strong-willed. She could always make you remember how a life lived in the moment, with a little kindness, love, and hard work, though never perfect, could still be wonderful. Her memory will continue to inspire and bring comfort to those who were fortunate enough to know and love her.
In addition to her parents, Clara was predeceased by her son, Robert McNichol; her brother, Thomas Petroski; and her sister, Pauline Petroski. She is survived by her children, James McNichol (Loretta) of Philadelphia, Pa., Patricia Derivaux (Christopher) of New Jersey, Glenn McNichol (Kim), William McNichol of New Jersey, Mary McNichol of Philadelphia, and Monica McNichol of Delaware; her grandchildren, Gabrielle, Kristina, Joshua (Casey), James Jr. (Martina), Kasie, Abigayle, Andrew, Christopher, Lillian, Charles, Audrey and Desirae; her great-grandsons, Kaden and Ezra; and her siblings, Margaret Cervantes (Wayne), Kathleen Westlake (Patrick), Leo Petroski (Eileen), David Petroski (Veronica) and Josephine Keffala; and her many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m., Thursday, Sept. 21, at St. Jude The Apostle Catholic Church, 152 Tulip Drive, Lewes, where friends may call beginning at 10 a.m. Burial will follow at All Saints’ Cemetery, 6001 Kirkwood Hwy., Wilmington.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Parsell Funeral Homes and Crematorium, Atkins-Lodge Chapel, Lewes.
Visit Mrs. McNichol's Life Memorial Webpage and sign her virtual guestbook at parsellfuneralhomes.com.
