Clara Deitchman passed away on March 10, 2011 at the age of 97. She was the beloved wife of Walter H. Deitchman, R.Ph. and a devoted mother, grandmother and great-grandmother whose kindness and warmth shaped generations.

Born in St. Joseph, Missouri, Clara had a vibrant and caring spirit. She worked in clothing stores before marriage and later partnered with Walter in their pharmacy business, even taking part in the family paper route—often collecting payments from customers, sometimes bartering for a piece of crystal in exchange. She was active in the Marcella Rodin Club, a Kansas City philanthropic organization dedicating her time to community efforts.

Clara loved playing cards—Canasta and Mahjong were among her favorites—and had a creative side, painting as a young woman and later rediscovering her passion for pottery. Above all, she was known for the gentle, unwavering love she showed her children and grandchildren. Her home was filled with warmth, laughter and the occasional exchange in Yiddish, a language she and Walter spoke privately—though never quite secretly enough to keep curious little ears from listening in.

She is survived by her daughter Stephanie Palmer Altman (St. Louis, Mo.); her sons Kenneth (Susan) Deitchman (Kansas City, Mo.) and Buzz (Nancy) Deitchman (Dallas, Tex.); her grandchildren Jordan (Leigh) Palmer (St. Louis, Mo.), Scotty (Dana) Palmer (Dallas, Tex.), Cindi Palmer (Arlington, Va.) along with six other grandchildren and fourteen great-grandchildren.

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Clara’s memory continues to inspire, especially through the Yiddish coverage of The St. Louis Jewish Light, where her grandson Jordan Palmer honors the language and traditions she unknowingly helped preserve—laying the foundation for the Yiddish Word(s) of the Week franchise. (He also still uses the ceramic doggy bank she made for him in 1977, a small but enduring testament to her love and creativity.)

Special thanks to Pathways and St. John’s Hospice for their kindness and support. Burial will take place in St. Joseph, Mo. Contributions in her memory may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association or a charity of your choice.