Clara Plizga

Clara "Clare" Plizga, 98, born December 29, 1917 passed away on November 20, 2016. Clara was preceded in death by her husband Anthony "Tony" J. Plizga, her daughter Dagmar (Candi") E. (Plizga) White, grandsons Anthony "Tony" A. White and Everette "Earl" White. She is survived by her loving son-in-law Rick White, grandson David D. White, great-granddaughter Jessica and great-grandson Jacob White. She is also survived by numerous relatives in Germany, many close neighborhood friends and many Volkssporting friends. Clare was born in Ulm, Germany into a musical family and was a performing artist prior to her marriage. As a youth, she loved hiking, biking, skiing, mountain climbing in the south of Germany and the Swiss Alps and singing with her siblings. In 1952, she met and was courted by Tony Plizga. They were married in Ulm, Germany on June 22, 1954. They moved to Aberdeen, MD. in 1955. Clare studied English and passed the Citizenship Test. On July 6, 1959, Clare became an American Citizen. She was the consummate Military Wife and Mother as they moved back and forth between assignments in the US and Germany. Tony retired from the Army in 1970. They retired to Aberdeen, MD until 1972. They moved to Kirby, TX to be near her daughter and family. They often visited family members in Germany and throughout the United States. Clara and Tony often took long walks and bike rides together. Clare and Tony were loving parents and grandparents. Clara loved to cook German meals for her family and Tony loved to BBQ on the backyard grill. They often entertained family and friends in their home. Clara and Tony completed their first "Volksmarch" with the Texas Wanderers in the fall of 1979 and joined the walking club as members in 1980. They traveled Texas to attend every volksmarch in the state at that time. Clara and Tony made friends wherever they went. Tony died suddenly on April 23, 1993 with Clare at his side; two months short of their 39th wedding Anniversary. Clara continued the sport she and Tony had shared together. Clara traveled with her friends and walked in many states. Clara also traveled to Germany to visit family and attend walks there with her family and friends. Clara was a member of the Randolph Roadrunners, the Texas Wanderers, the Selma Pathfinders, the Guadalupe Gallivanters (Texas) and the Bussan Wander Friends (Germany). Clara broke her right femur in October 2014. The injury caused a constant pain in her right leg and hip which limited her walking abilities. She refused to quit volkssporting and walked as far as she could or volunteered to work whenever she could at her club's walks. She very rarely complained of her pain and was an inspiration for many to keep walking. Clara had planned to be in Boerne for the Randolph Roadrunners' Christmas walk on December 10, 2016. She loved this event and was looking forward to meeting her friends there. Clara fell ill suddenly on Saturday evening, and was accompanied to the hospital by her family and close friends. On November 20, 2016 at age 98; 39 days short of her 99th birthday; Clara joined her beloved Tony and Dagmar in eternal rest. Clara, you are loved by many and will be greatly missed. As per her wishes,; there will be a private closed casket graveside service on November 30, 2016.