Today’s post is both happy and sad. It’s sad because this past Sunday, Clare Reidy one of the dearest people that ever walked this earth, left it to fly to another place. And for so many of us still here, that is a hard truth to come to terms with. Time seems to have stopped.
But this post is also happy – because I get to tell you about an extraordinary woman. You dear reader, may not have known her – but I believe you can be touched by her magnificent life too. And that would be fitting, because Clare was Irish. And in the Irish tradition, when a person dies it is customary to remember them with stories and to celebrate the life they lived.
And it’s very easy to celebrate a life such as Clare’s. Perhaps you have a “Clare” in your life? A being of light. A person who is your mentor?
(Photo credit to: Susan Nagle & The Cantata Singers)
I first met Clare as a little girl. I was in love with theater and she was the first person to direct me. I was perhaps 7 or 8 at the time. I don’t remember many things from that age. But I do remember meeting her for the first time. The look of the dirty stage, the way I liked her smile. The way she laughed so easily. It’s almost as if I knew then, in some dark recess of my mind that this woman would be important to my life. That I should take a mental snapshot.
Years went by, and I was a teenager. I was in a show over the summer that she was assistant directing. I watched her work, the questions she asked actors that opened up the scene. The kindness she showed to everyone. I was both in love with who she was, and intimidated by how smart and talented she was. She was a celebrity to me. Someone that I just wanted to be bask in the presence of. Her energy was bright. It enveloped anyone near it.
(Photo credit to: Susan Nagle & The Cantata Singers)
Years went by again- my mother had died, and my world had been rocked. I’d gone to live with a friends parents, and though I know they had taken me in with good intentions it had ended up being much harder than they expected I think. I can only imagine how having another person in the house made their lives more difficult. Especially one who was so confused and sad. But in the process – I was told I was a great many things. A liar, a thief. Someone unlovable. I was told to leave. I had no where to go. And at 18 I was more likely to believe others estimation of me, especially an adults- than to believe what I knew to be the truth. That I didn’t do what I was accused of, and that I was lovable.
Clare became my guidance counselor when I started college that fall. And I don’t exaggerate when I tell you she saved my life. She told me I was no such things. She held me when I sobbed. She gave me tough advice when that’s what I needed to hear. She trusted me. And she taught me to once again trust myself. Over the next years she became in many ways a second mother to me. And I loved her as one.
She directed many shows I was fortunate enough to be a part of. Watching her direct was like watching a surgeon. She would cut away the extraneous part of a scene or dialog. She wouldn’t tell you what a character wanted in a scene, but she would patiently ask you all the questions it took to get you to discover it for yourself.
She helped me with transfer college applications, and then drove me 6 hours to audition at Julliard in NYC herself. We stayed with her family there. When it looked like I might move to Georgia, she arranged for her son to give me a tour of a school there. Just tiny examples of the things she did so selflessly. She was my cheerleader. She was my mentor. She was my friend.
But the thing is – I was just one kid that she mentored in this way. There were so many of us! A ragtag group of kids that wanted so much out of life- but didn’t know how to get there. She would spend her evenings with us, her weekends. She would drive us to shows she thought we should see hours away. She called us all, her “favorites.” Her house was open to us, and a cup of tea in a flowered, fragile, proper teacup was always at the ready.
(Photo credit Susan Nagle & The Cantata Singers 2009. Clare in a scene from “Talking With”)
Some of the things I will most miss about Clare:
- A prayer blessing ( A Chris) on the head before going out on stage, or before any big life event.
- existential talks over an Irish coffee at Horigans Pub.
- Her smell.
- The no fuss way she would wind her dark (then grey) hair up into a twist on the back of her neck.
- The way she would sit in the audience of a show she had seen hundreds of times- laughing super loudly at all the jokes. Gently encouraging the audience to lighten up and laugh too.
- The funny words she used to describe what she wanted to see onstage. “Why are you all in a big blob back there?”
- The way she taught so many of us to understand, and then to love Shakespeare.
- Her ginormous eyes. That expressed so many wonderful emotions with just a look.
- Her love for the Monastery.
- Her fierce mama bear love for her husband and children – and grandchildren.
She taught so many of us, so much about life. And on a personal note I’d like to thank her for the most important thing she taught me. She could easily have been an actor whose name you all recognize. She was a talented artist in her own right. But she put that on hold for something that meant far more to her. Having a family. And as they grew, she incorporated her love for theater into their life. And into hers. The amazing way she did that is their story to tell not mine. But I was, and continue to be so inspired by her love of her family. All of them beautiful people, and in so many ways like her. Passionate. Loving. I thank her forever for that example of what family is.
So now I just ask one thing.
Do you have someone in your life that has been your friend and mentor in this way? Someone that inspires you? Who helped make you who you are? If you do, I urge you to email them. Call them. Send them a note if your shy! But please tell them what they mean to your life.
Do it today.
Do it in honor of Clare.
I know many of you have wonderful memories of Clare. Please feel free to leave some of them below… And if you did not know her, please feel free to pledge below to tell someone you love what they mean to you today.
Michael says
I also, like Nikki, knew how important Clare Reidy was in your life. You’ve very eloquently said what so many of us wish we could say to the “Clares” in our lives. And I hope many will heed your call to action… to tell their Clares what they mean to them. You know of course I have a surrogate father much as you had Clare. I will certainly be calling him soon. Thank you for sharing this with us. I like the way you framed this from the start as both happy and sad. Clare would be proud of you. *hugs* ~Michael
MilkandCuddles says
@Michael, Nothing would make me happier than other people reaching out to “their Clares.” She was truly a beautiful, funny- amazing person.
Laura says
Shannon, this is such a wonderful and moving tribute to Clare….beautifully written. You identified so many lovely and wonderful things about her! She really did leave this world a better place because of her having been a part of it. She really LIVED her life and she lead by example. She was everything I would like to be. And she helped to bring you and I together – a gift that I am grateful for every day 🙂 Cheers for wonderful friends and beautiful people that bring light into the world. Cheers for Clare!
MilkandCuddles says
@Laura, Yes she was! Do you remember the year we both found out that we had independently sent Clare cards on Mother’s Day? We both felt so much love from her:)
And I remember many times Clare talking about how wonderful you were as a person Laura. How much she respected your kindness and your intellect. She loved you. And I know she knew how much you loved her too…
I second that. Cheers to Clare:)
Laura says
@MilkandCuddles,
I do remember that! She really looked out for us – and she had a way of shining light on everyone she knew.
Thank you so much, Shan. I remember her talking about you with such love. She respected and loved you and would always ask about you whenever I saw her.
You are so much like her. Love you!
terra says
Shannon,
Thank you for reminding me how much someone can truly become so much more than a band-aid. Obviously, we all have those moments when we just need a hug, an encouraging word, a sympathetic ear, or what I call the band-aids of life. However, it is so rare when you are able to find someone who becomes more than a band-aid and instead is able to transform the way you feel about not only a situation, but yourself. I called my Clare tonight, and although I did not share with her the full story, I will tell you that she has transformed the way I see myself. She is was absolutely a gift from God, almost 8 years ago and has become more to my family and my children than I ever would have thought possible. Thank you for letting me share your Clare story with her…I know she will appreciate it.
With love,
Terra
MilkandCuddles says
@terra, Terra- thank you SO SO much! It makes cry to read that. I’m so glad you told your “Clare” how much she means- I’m so glad you have one! “My” Clare would love that you did that so much…
Thank you. Thank you.
JDaniel4's Mom says
She sounds like an amazing lady. You were truly blessed to have known here. She gave so much to your life.
MilkandCuddles says
@JDaniel4’s Mom, She really really did. I hope one day to be even a smidge like her.
Serena says
Thank you for that. I remember so much about Clare and the way that she made it okay for me to have “ugly” emotions and how to embrace them and even love them at times. She taught me how to be fully human instead of trying to be perfect.
She truly believed that if I wanted it badly enough I could be an actor – despite what every other teacher in the field told me. She believed in me, and in so many of us. And she made us all feel special and we all were because we had known her.
I only saw her act a couple of times and it was such truth on stage. She was beautiful and wonderful and I will always regret that I was too young and naive at the time to see all that she did for me and all of those that knew her.
I as well loved the way she tied her hair up and miss the kisses on the forehead.
She DID teach me how to understand and therefore come to love Shakespeare.
And she would always tell you the truth – like when she asked me to lip-sync a song at the beginning of one of our shows because I just can’t sing.
I will always love her and I thank you Shannon for providing us with a place to remember her.
Serena
MilkandCuddles says
@Serena, Oh Serena- that is so beautiful! And so funny! And so…just wonderful!! Thank you for sharing that. You are so right…she was so great at embracing the dark feelings and bringing them into the light. So totally accepting of whole people. It was one of her best qualities- thank you for reminding me. Sending you big hugs.
Nikki says
Shan that was beautiful:) I’ve heard you speak about her before but never heard the specific details of how much she meant to you and your life! How lucky you were to have found her during that difficult time, and she to find you:) I can attest that you’ve definetly inherited the existential talks, love those and miss those with you over a some wine! 🙂 Love you so much and I’m grateful that Clare was there for you and to her for taking care of one of my dearest friends! 🙂
MilkandCuddles says
@Nikki, Yes, I do remember you being the very patient audience to Laura and I both telling you countless “Clare” stories! You were always a great listener. Love you!
Meneely89 says
@Nikki, I met Claire last summer at Shakespeare & Company during the Summer Training Intensive (STI). She was my basics teacher where we worked on soliloquies that we had brought in. I worked on Edmund from Shakespeare’s King Lear. I will never forget the moment that this woman began to change my life that summer. Eight of us were sitting there listening to her instructions. She told us that one must go up and do their soliloquy for everyone. My first thought in my mind was that of the terror of going first, but in that same instant I felt my legs picking me up and guiding me to the front of my peers. When she asked me to begin I ran through it mechanically without life behind it. Then she asked me simply to do the beginning bigger. To really shout to the gods, and then for the first time in my short acting career of two years, I was alive. She knew how to ask the right questions out of me and pull out what was there. By the end of the three days of soliloquy work, she confessed that she hadn’t felt this alive in a long time. That she was afraid that her students didn’t care anymore. But that we, in our excitement to risk and live, not just in the scene but in life, had rekindled that burning coal that we had no idea was so close to becoming extinguished. She took us into her family that day and I just remember feeling so much love and that I was indebted to pass it on.
That was just one moment of several hundred that I experienced with Claire that summer. She also taught me the joy and power of the sonnet. Rediscovering how much fun it is to play. She was a woman cut from a special cloth. during the five weeks she would miss class sometimes and have to go home or to the doctors for several days. We were kept in the dark, because she didn’t want to worry us, and had no idea of the severity of her condition. Yet she still came back every time with a smile on her face and love in her heart.
About a month ago I found out the severity of her condition and my entire group from the summer wrote to her or called her. I got the opportunity to talk with her and hear her voice light up with light one more time. Talking with me seemed to put the joy of the summer and life back into her voice and in mine. I was ecstatic to talk to her. Although it was brief, I got the chance to thank her for everything she did for me and how much it meant. Then over a week ago she left us all, but not in the dark. But instead with a light. A light full of life that has been passed on to everyone of us who were part of Claire’s family. I feel we have a mission to live life. To risk. To love with all of our beings the way Claire did in order to live the fullest life possible and help others to do it too. I am glad that her suffering is over and even though there is still an ache in my heart, Claire will always remain my light from that magical summer where I became me.
Danielle says
Cuz,
I am saddened for your loss today, but more than that I am saddened that the world became such a harsh world for you that required the need for saving. I wish I could have been there more and we could have reminded you how wonderful and fabulous and love-able you always have been and always will be.
Hugs
D
MilkandCuddles says
@Danielle, There is no more sadness about that time. Clare truly turned it into one of the most amazing, educational times of my life. Also, my story isn’t told here as a poor me. But no matter how many times I wrote this, I couldnt do it without explaining why I felt so connected to her. What happened then, helped make me who I am now. And I will be forever grateful to Clare for her help in that:)
Love ya D!So glad you are in my life!
vicie rolling says
Claire would be so proud of you! You are right. As her colleauge for many years, I admired her energy and forthrightness. She often produced art in most difficult circumstances. She was a gifted giver and a gift to us all. She sat in my home one night and read Shakespeare with some of her students as a favor to my daughter…so busy, yet Claire always made time. If we could all be more Claire-like, the world would be a better place… and now she is in her rightful place …in the wings!!!!
Vicie
MilkandCuddles says
@vicie rolling, “and now she is in her rightful place …In the wings!!!!”
Oh my breath caught reading that! I love it. I know she is:)
And yes, she must have been so busy to have accomplished all the things she did. Yet so many of us feel she took time for us. She made so many of us feel special- it seems like she must have had more time in the day than an ordinary person! Thanks so much for writing Vicie:)
Sara DeLaney says
Shannon,
I cannot even begin to tell you how beautiful this is, and how much it meant to read your words. I feel so much the same way about this remarkable woman who touched so many lives and hearts with her love for her art and sharing it. She is definitely one of “those” people in my life who was not just a teacher but in some way a hero for those of us who just wanted to be inspired and do what we love.
Thank you so much Shannon for this beautiful gift of sharing your love and memories for Clare. YOU are such a light in this world, always have been!
<3 Sara
MilkandCuddles says
@Sara DeLaney, Sara- thank you so much for the sweet words. We were both so lucky to get to be around Clare as often as we were! And you are so right- she did inspire so many people to do what they love. What a gift. Definitely agree she was a total hero.
Total. Hero:)
PS. It’s obvious you took a leaf from her book! I love seeing your joyous posts on FB! So glad you are living the life you love! By the way- just signed up for my first yoga class! I had the chance – and remembered how I kept seeing you say it was awesome! So giving it a try. Like Clare- you also inspire:)
Mitzi says
Oh Shannon…what an absolutely lovely tribute to your “Claire”. I am so glad that this “Angel” found her way into your life, because you my friend are definitely “LOVABLE”! Though I have never met you in person, you have within you a pure and beautiful heart. You have a smile that lights up a room and a personality that is both deep and warm. Thank the good Lord up above for sending “Claire” your way so that you could spread your wings and soar!
I know your heart will hurt for a while at the loss of her, but you will indeed keep her very much alive in your heart! Hugs…
MilkandCuddles says
@Mitzi, Thank you Mitzi- there is NO DOUBT she will be in my heart forever. And in all who knew her.
Tori says
She was that bright light to me too – a friend, a mentor, a fairy of sorts – a good witch she liked to call herself. I will miss her too. So lovely to hear your story and see the terrific photos of her. A friend of the theatre from Shakespeare & Company. We will miss her, but keep her with us always.
Thank you.
MilkandCuddles says
@Tori, I loved hearing her talk about Shakespeare and Company. Agreed- she is with us always. Love the “good witch” name:)
Dan says
I found out about this today at work, not knowing that I work with her daughter. She was one of my mentors at CCC when I was there. She encouraged me to be me and that it was okay to be the loudest person in the room. She made me have my very first on stage kiss, I still quote her saying “oh come on give her a good one.” she will be missed.
MilkandCuddles says
@Dan, HAHA!! I just can totally picture that!I have a Clare kissing story too…
During rehearsals for Romeo and Juliet once, Clare was trying to get me to stop Romeo from leaving over and over. I realized later she was hoping I would naturally find frustration and be able to cry. But she kept saying- “Just make him stay!!” And finally I didnt know what to do- so I just started kissing the kid playing Romeo:)
She retorted… “Well, that would definitely be ANOTHER way to make him stay.” 😉
Tom says
In 1963, Bob Dylan was asked to give a brief synopsis on his hero, his mentor, Woody Guthrie. He was basically asked to sum up his feelings and thoughts of Woody, who was in the Brooklyn State hospital suffering from Huntington’s Chorea, in 25 words or fewer. Dylan took out a pencil and summed up his feelings, but it took 5 pages. If you are unfamiliar with Dylan’s “Last Thoughts on Woody Guthrie,” you can find it here. http://www.metrolyrics.com/last-thoughts-on-woody-guthrie-lyrics-bob-dylan.html
I posted that because a lot of what I want to say about Clare are in Dylan’s poem. Shannon got personal, and so will I.
As a child, I suffered a lot of abuse. I won’t go into detail, but it was pretty bad. I hid it as best I could, even from my parents, but it tore me up inside. I felt worthless, like I only existed for other peoples’ pleasures. In 1984, I left my mother’s home and moved in with my father. Life was good for a while, but then the cycle of abuse started again, not from my father by any means, but from a different family member. At that time, I came to the conclusion that being used and abused was just why I was here. I concluded that some people were meant to be happy and some were not. I was in the latter class.
It was at that point that I started “enjoying” life. I pumped every drug or chemical I could find into my body, though living where I did at the time basically meant I smoked a lot of weed, drank a lot. I secretly hoped it would somehow kill me.
In 1988 I somehow graduated high school and joined the NAVY. The NAVY was supposed to be safe. The CNO had a zero tolerance policy on drugs and … abuse. Well, in the NAVY, I found coke and acid, and a lot of drugs. A lot of chemicals. A lot of girls.
In 1990, I went to an officer and asked for help. You see, I wanted above all else to die. Forget that. I wanted to die and take as many other people with me as I could. I knew I wasn’t thinking straight, and that I needed help. The NAVY promptly discharged me.
There I was, 20 years old, with nothing but bad thoughts. I moved back to NY, took a lot of drugs, drank a lot, and lost many jobs and friends. Sigh. It is about a 5-year stretch that I barely remember.
Then I met Clare.
How I met Clare is … interesting. I went to college for the financial aid check, and almost liked it there. People in my past always expected me to screw up, and I always delivered. People at CCC didn’t have that expectation, and I guess I delivered differently. Then Hank told me to audition for Hamlet.
Auditions were 8 – 10 in the Science Building, so I left my apt at like 7. The weather was nasty and my Chevette was a piece of crap and took me a LONG time to make it to CCC. I got there at like 9:30. Clare was the only person left. I called her “Mrs. Reidy.” Hell, I called her that for at least the first year I knew her. One could not know this woman and not show her the proper respect.
I read for many parts, convinced that I would not get in because I simply do not read aloud well. I mentioned that Hamlet is my favorite play, that I had read it at least 20 times before because it is so awesome, but didn’t expect much as I left. Oh well, at least I had experienced “theatre.”
Amazingly, I got cast. During that run, Clare taught me a lot about acting and a hell of a lot about life. I don’t even think she meant to teach me the latter. I think we rehearsed like every day for 4 months. To some it was exhausting. To me, it was exhilarating. For the first time in my life, I was part of something … good.
Then it was over. I couldn’t believe it. It was over. After the curtain fell the final time, we reduced the set to a classroom. I was devastated. There were a lot of tears. I had become so close with these people, and it was over.
A short while later, Clare came to me and said “Tom McGrath is going to offer you a part in a play. Say yes.” About 20 minutes later, Tom offered me the part and I said yes. Then I opened the script. Scoop in The Heidi Chronicles!!! I went from 12 lines in Hamlet to over 150 in THC… and the first show was in 20 days!
Clare believed in me. She may have been the first person who ever did. I sure as hell never had before. She worked so hard with me (in a production she wasn’t affiliated with) to make that happen. I like to that it was an awesome show and that we all did a great job.
I have learned a lot from Clare and her family over the years. I am now a husband and a father. I do my very best and actually have asked myself countless times “how would Clare have handled this?” I am also currently an assistant professor of mathematics. I can’t tell you how many times I have said to a person who just needs to hear the truth, “I know you can do this. I need you to believe in yourself because a long time ago, someone believed in me, or I wouldn’t be here right now.” Damn it. I’m crying again.
God bless.
MilkandCuddles says
@Tom, Sending you big big hugs Tom. Super gigantic hugs. You are right. She believed in you always.
rose says
Shannon, I’m sorry for your loss. I wish I could wrap my arms around you to give you comfort. It’s always very difficult to lose a special person. I, always feel that it’s important to cry for sad as well as happy when we lose someone. The body is gone, but no one can take away the wonderful memories of our loved one. Clare, sounds like a great person who helped you in especially a tough time in your life. Remember you are never alone. There are many who love you and and are there for you. I, love you and I wish that I had known you especially in those extremely difficult times. You are my family and I will always try to be there for you with listening ears, a hug, tears, laughter, and much love. I will keep you in my prayers esp. at this time. love, Rosie .
MilkandCuddles says
@rose, Thanks Rosie- I feel very lucky to have known her. I’m also so lucky to know you. Hugs.
Margaret says
Thank you for writing about your experience with Clare. She was a gem in my life as well! I spoke with her a couple of weeks ago and, as always, we laughed, had one of those existential talks and loved each other up. Her love in the words of Juliet, is as boundless as the sea, feel for her and she’ll be right there..
Love,
Margaret
MilkandCuddles says
@Margaret, Ah Margaret- the perfect quote at the perfect time:)
Thank you. Love back:)
Daniel C says
Shannon,
This entry was so beautifully crafted…
Although I didn’t get to know Clare as well as many of you, I none the less have nothing but amazing memories of her. She was such a great person. Its funny, when her putting her hair up was mentioned, it brought back vivid memories not thought of in years. I remember an Acting 1 class that got a bit crazy. I recall looking over to her as we sat in the crowd worried, waiting to see what she would do… I had no reason to worry. Of course she had everything in hand.
Thanks for being so open about your memories. I only respect her even more because of how she helped you out my friend. I’m sending smiles and good vibes your way.
-D
MilkandCuddles says
@Daniel C, The last few days of thinking of Clare and thinking of college- I realize I have just been like the most blessed person ever. So many amazing people helped me and gave me advice and put me on the right road. You are one of them! Thank you too:)
Thanks for the vibes. I’ll take ’em.
PS. Why cant I remember this “bit crazy” acting class?? It sounds like fun times:) No doubt Clare would have handled it perfectly though… 🙂
Kevin B Winebold says
Shannon,
Thank you so much for posting this; I had no idea she passed. I, too, was so in love with her. After I got connected with Summer Rep, she had me compose music for Twain one-acts, a little live underscoring to accompany the play.
“Really?” I thought. I can’t improvise, I only compose songs with words. She’s asking me to play what I feel, as it happens? What if I mess up her play? What if she hates what I do and asks me to leave.
Obviously, none of that happened. She worked with me, this shy, young piano player the same way she worked with actors; she asked me questions, made me think, and pulled the music out of me that I didn’t even know was there. To this day. whenever I accompany a prayer service, or am asked to provide “meditation music,” little do they know I’m completely unrehearsed. I don’t pull out the hymnal to provide some background music to a moment of prayer. I do what Clare taught me; to feel, to play from within, and to never apologize for sharing my inner-most feeling with others!
MilkandCuddles says
@Kevin B Winebold, Wow Kevin how neat!What an awesome skill you will always be able to use! Very cool. So glad you knew Clare! Hugs friend:)
Carina Haller says
I had the privilege of working with Clare @ Shakespeare & Co. She had a beautiful soul, clearly. She took her own time to help me break down a text that I was having difficulty with and despite her endless knowledge with Shakespeare’s texts, she offered me all the best support. She shared her knowledge with me and taught me everything she knew about the text we were working on. What matters is not how much she taught me about Shakespeare, but the love I felt as she patiently told me where every word in my scene came from, what date and what the meanings were. Clare was love. And love belongs in a very special place, the sweetest of them all. Peace, Clare. Thank you for touching my life and making it special.
MilkandCuddles says
@Carina Haller, You said it all Carina- Clare was love:)
Jill says
I thought I would share a sweet story of Clare…. so many to choose from…
When I first went to CCC, I always had in the back of my mind that I wanted to act. Being from a small town , it wasn’t that likely. Even in high school, I never got the lead in the play. I always played some small character ( usually a strange character). Clare was the first one to give me a lead in a play. Amazing I thought, until I found out that I had to sing …. by myself…. not good. During rehearsal Clare took me aside and said ” Just go for it”.What an amazing premise…. that phrase has driven me through my whole acting career.
Even when i go to auditions today( for strange characters) I remember her words and follow through. I had the amazing chance to email Clare and thank her for being so influential on my career choice. In true Clare form , she said “Thank you and I knew you had it in you”
So as I hold back tears writing this, I will mold that sadness into passion, energy and laughter. Because ,that’s what Clare would do.
” Just go for it”
Clare Reidy
JDaniel4's Mom says
Happy Easter! I enjoyed reading this post again!
Deb @ Living Montessori Now says
What an absolutely beautiful post, Shannon! I didn’t know Clare, but she sounded like an amazing person. I love her tradition of a prayer blessing before a big event. I’m sorry you had to have such a hard life before meeting Clare. I’m glad Clare was able to bring so much light and beauty into your life, and my heart aches for you that she’s gone. You’re in my thoughts and prayers. Love and ((((hugs)))) Deb
MilkandCuddles says
@Deb @ Living Montessori Now, Oh no Deb- I’ve had a very, very blessed life. Just a period of it that kinda sucked a little;) And as chronicled above- Clare made a whole lot better:)
But thanks for the love and hugs- I do miss her. And will probably until it’s my turn to see behind the veil. But mostly I am very lucky to have known her, and been cared for by her at all. So at the end of the day- not at all a sad story:)
Many thanks for the sweet comment. Thanks:)
Maureen says
I am sorry for your loss, but it was great hearing about her. I came across your blog by accident and I just wanted to say hi…Please stop by Areyouamom.com and say hi….I am following you, can’t wait to stop back.
Have a nice day!
Maureen 🙂
Katie says
What a beautiful post and a beautiful person. I can’t believe she has left us! I was also one of the many students from CCC who acted and sang for Clare. I would have played any part and done anything just to be around her. Clare made you feel special and it was with that feeling that I was able to leave CCC and go on to many other things…always hoping that someday our paths would meet again. I guess now I’ll just have to wait to hug her again in heaven. Rest in Peace sweet Clare!!
Dennis says
Shannon:
I don’t know you and since you’re in Texas and I’m in Virginia, we’ll probably never get a chance to meet, but I want to thank you for writing so beautifully about the greatest teacher I’ve ever had. Just this week, I learned through the Elmira College “Campus” magazine that Clare Reidy passed away in April.
To my lifelong regret, I lost touch with Clare many years ago, back in the pre-electronic communication age. I always meant to reach out to her, but each year that passed, I thought, “She’ll never remember me.” She’d had a zillion students since I was lucky enough to have her as a theatre director and teacher in 1979 and 1980. I’m sure many were more memorable. We kept in touch for a number of years afterwards, but life happens and, well, those were still the stamp and letter days. That’s no excuse, but it’s the thing I’m hanging onto right now.
I’ve never met anyone of her talents and personality. She was a marvelous dramatic artist, in love with the language of the playwright and the theatre. She particularly loved the work of her Irish kinsmen. I recall her speculating one day that certainly Shakespeare had some Irish in the closet somewhere, since he was so good with words.
You and the others who posted…well, I can’t add much to your beautiful language and wonderful thoughts. Clare was so empathic and could look into your soul and immediately knew what you needed to be a greater. She was willing to work as hard at it as you were. And boy, I wanted to work hard for that woman. I was a lousy actor and a sullen, non-communicative, incredibly shy kid. I think I was the only man who auditioned. That’s why I got the part. It was the best thing that ever happened to me. Our conversations – many of them at Horigan’s, her with port wine or Irish coffee, me with beer – went far beyond the theatre. The richness of her perceptions, her intellect and her articulation were amazing. She drew me out, dramatically, educationally and socially. I will always be grateful to her. And the chriss before each performance. I still remember how that felt. I have never met anyone that could draw out a person’s absolute best like she could.
I’m thankful that your beautiful post is still up, so that I could respond. I knew that she had touched many lives, but until I read her obituary and some of the posts here, I had little idea of the breadth and depth of her positive, loving reach. Thank you for sharing your thoughts and letting me share mine.
Dennis
Bradley Voorhees says
*Tears* This is devastating news! Clare was such a loving, caring, wonderful, amazing teacher, woman, family gal, actress, director, inspiration, and such a great, heavenly guide. I am so devastated to find out today (3+ years after her passing) that she’s gone. I just want to cry. How self-involved must I have been to not even know this – or know that she was even ill. I will never forgive myself for this fact! But I thought of her today, because I always remember her having shared with us in different classes, that her dreams of acting were not given up on, but altered, to include her new-found family at the time. Anyway, so I’ve got a web series and we’re casting for season 2, and when the role for an older female part came up, I immediately thought of her. So, after unsuccessfully attempting to get into my old Community College email account for an hour or so, I Googled her to try to find her on another platform, such as Facebook, or something, and instead of finding a place I’d be able to contact her, I found her obit. I know she’s probably smiling down at me now and telling me not to go to hard on myself for having found out this way, and so late, but I am just so upset about it. Thank You for writing such a beautiful post about her, and sharing those beautiful pictures of her. And Clare, I love you and miss you, and I’m so sorry it took me too long to contact you again. I begged the school to reassign you as my guidance counselor but because of my major, they wouldn’t. And I am so sorry that for your final semester, I had to drop your course, due to scheduling conflicts in my schedule. I could have had one more semester with you. Enjoying your presence, learning from you, going to you with my issues, and questions. I will never forget you Clare. You will forever be my favorite college professor of all time. Miss you! *hugs* See you on the other side girl!