1933
2020
CLARICE GARRISON
October 30, 1933 ˜ April 6, 2020
Clarice Garrison passed away in her home in Vancouver, WA after years of battling against a respiratory condition and dementia. She was 86 years old.
Clarice grew up in Portland, OR and graduated from Jefferson High School. It was there she met the best friend she would have throughout her life. In 1953, Clarice married her lifelong partner, Wilbur.
She was a teacher, mentor, counselor, and advocate for children. She began her career as an educator in the Early Childhood Education program at Clark College for nearly 20 years. Clarice then owned and operated Ladybug Preschool with a longtime friend and neighbor. It was a very successful business, during an era when very few women had the courage to start such an endeavor.
Clarice had a “can do” attitude and exhibited confidence in all she did. She was an athlete, competing in tennis into her 70’s. She was an active volunteer at Colombia Presbyterian Church, where she had been a member for over 60 years. She loved the beach, playing with children, tennis and Christmas with family. She was a great cook and enjoyed sharing that talent with others.
Clarice is survived by her husband of 67 years, Wilbur Garrison; 3 children, Rod, Val (Hecker) and Brad; several grandchildren, great-grandchildren and many friends.
She was laid to rest at Evergreen Memorial Gardens.
A Celebration of Life will be scheduled at Columbia Presbyterian Church when social gatherings are again safe.
Please sign her guest book @ www.columbian.com/obits
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
5 Entries
I spent many happy hours on the tennis court across the net from Clarice. She was a fierce competitor and a lovely lady who also showed a wonderful sense of humor. I'm so sorry to know she has left us; my thoughts and best wishes go to her family.
Connie Lovejoy
April 21, 2020
I was saddened to hear of Clarice's passing. I met Clarice when I enrolled one of my daughters in the preschool at Clark College. I remember a conversation we had about the requirement of staying in the class with your child till he/she was comfortable with your leaving. In order for me to do this, I was leaving another daughter crying for me at the babysitter's. Clarice totally understood and we worked out an suitable solution. The best interests of every child always came first. The world needs more quality people like her. Rest in peace, Clarice.
Dolores Monroe
April 19, 2020
Clarice was always nice to me. I married her niece, Nadine. This is a good family. I always felt part of the family. Thank you.
David Gosselin
April 19, 2020
My prayers of comfort to the Garrison family. May your hearts be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times as you celebrate a life well lived. I cherish my memories of teaching at Ladybug Preschool under Clarice's guidance. She supported, encouraged and taught me much more than how best to enlighten young minds. One of my favorite memories, that I often share, was a time after class that she was "assessing" with me a situation that had arisen that day. It was twenty minutes after she left before I realized that I had been reprimanded. During our conversation she had opened my mind to recognize better ways to handle the situation and given me tools to equip me when it again arose. She had me looking forward to using the newly gained wisdom not have me worrying about the past mistake. I actually laughed when I figured out oops....I had been in trouble. Her ways of leading were how I gauged other supervisors in my working life and how I hope I have shared. I am so thankful she was a part of my life journey.
Patricia Oneil
April 19, 2020
Dear Will, and Family,
We offer our deepest condolences to you during this difficult time. Please know you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Ernie & Annie Reiberg
April 19, 2020
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