Clara Helen Karaffa Skurla

Clara Helen Karaffa Skurla, 89, peacefully passed away January 13, 2017 at home. She was born May 22, 1927 in Mt. Pleasant, PA to the late Sophia and Joseph Karaffa. She grew up in Latrobe, PA and graduated from Latrobe High School. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 60 years, Robert Michael Skurla, Sr. She was a founding member of St. Ann's Catholic Church in Charlotte, NC. Clara was an active member of the community, involved in St. Ann's" Happy Timers" and rosary group, Spearhead Swim Association, Children's Theater, and as a swimming instructor at Johnson Memorial YMCA. She was a colorful personality who will be lovingly remembered for her genorisity, devotion to family and faith, and as a voice for the innocent. She is survived by her children, Diane Burkley (Bruce), Robert Skurla, Jr. (Martha), and Ellen Sullivan (Bernie); her brother, Eugene Karaffa (Ada) and sister, Diane Dietzen (Jim); sister-in-law, Zita Owens; grandchildren, Rene Walker (Richard), Laura Martinsen (Corey), Jessica Burkley; Brendan, Hayley and Trey Sullivan; Joe and Marisol Skurla; her great-grandchildren, Justina, Natalia, and Michael Walker; and Barret Martinsen; and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her granddaughter, our angel, Sally Skurla; her sisters, Irene Krinock and Dorothy Karaffa, and her brother, Desideri Karaffa. To celebrate her life, a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday, January 19, 2017 at 11:00 A.M. at St. Ann's Catholic Church. Immediately preceding the funeral will be visitation and the Rosary at the Church, beginning at 10:00 A.M. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to MiraVia, P.O. Box 11499, Charlotte, NC 28220. 1/19/2017 10:00 AM 11:00 AM Visitation St. Ann's Catholic Church 3635 Park Road Charlotte NC 28209 1/19/2017 10:00 AM Rosary St. Ann's Catholic Church 3635 Park Road Charlotte NC 1/19/2017 11:00 AM Mass of Christian Burial St. Ann's Catholic Church 3635 Park Road Charlotte NC 28209