Clara Marie Lerman, 55, of Hopkinton, passed away unexpectedly after sixteen years of declining health, on December 18, 2012. Born in Cuba, NY, she was the daughter of Clara (Korka) Smith of Cuba, NY and the late Oren Smith. She was the wife of 21 years to Marc R. Lerman of Hopkinton.

Clara had her Bachelor’s Degree and Master’s Degree from St. Bonaventure in Orleans, NY. A very intelligent and empathetic woman, she was a poet and loved writing.

Besides her husband, she is survived by her son, Aaron James Lerman of Hopkinton, her brothers, Bruce and Oren Smith of Cuba, NY, Greg Smith of Syracuse, NY, a sister, Susan Card of Colorado, nephews and niece, Andrew, Christina and Ryan; her parents-in-law, Sarita and Steven Lerman; a sister in law, Cheryl Hogan and her children, Nolan and Dylan. She also leaves a good friend, Mary Ellen Carr of Brick, NJ.

Private graveside burial was held on Wednesday, December 26, 2012 at Mt. Auburn Cemetery in Hopkinton. Donations in her memory may be made to Project Just Because, 86 South St. Hopkinton, MA. 01748 Arrangements were under the care of the Chesmore Funeral Home of Hopkinton. www.ChesmoreFuneralHome.com