May 4, 1946 – December 1, 2019
Clarice Bennet Killian, age 73, passed away December 1, 2019, surrounded by her loving family. She leaves behind her beloved husband and soul mate, Michael, who she was married to for 52 ½ years. Her parents Victoria and Bill Bennet preceded her in death. Clarice leaves her beloved children, Collen (Jimmy) Neal and Brian Killian (Heather). Clarice was blessed with five grandchildren and one great-granddaughter; Victoria, Corryn, Maggie, Ethan, Kalynn and her daughter Claire. She was blessed with a sister, Angela (Ed) Jagan and brother, David (Bridget). She is also survived by numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.
Clarice was born in Hibbing, Minnesota, and being a military brat, moved from city to city. Clarice lived in Nashwaulk, Duluth and Grand Maris, Minnesota. Her father was transferred to Hayward, California for many years. The family returned to Toledo, Ohio for the rest of their lives.
Clarice attended the University of Toledo, majoring in Retail and Marketing. While at the University of Toledo, she was a member of Phi Theta Kappa, honorary society, and was the founder and first President of Tau Rho Alpha, Toledo Retailing Association. After graduating from The University of Toledo, she was hired by Lasalle’s, a subsidiary of the Macy Corporation. Clarice was one of the youngest buyers ever hired by the Macy Corp. and was their Jr. Dress buyer.
Mike and Clarice moved to Allen Park so Mike could pursue employment at Blue Cross Blue Shield. Clarice loved Michigan and considered it home. She worked for Rubbermaid Home goods for a number of years, and after their children were in school, she became a para-professional at the Plymouth-Canton Pubic Schools for nine years, teaching in the school store, the Chief Connection, on a federal grant for disadvantaged students. When the grant ran out, Clarice was hired by Toys R Us as an Assistant Store Director in Novi and Southfield. Clarice then moved to Cleary College, where she was Director of Purchasing and Bookstore operations for nine years. Then it was time to retire and take care of her widowed mom. In 2008, Clarice joined Avon and worked for 10 ½ years as a sales representative, again retiring in 2018.
Clarice lived in Canton for 48 years and was very active in the community. She participated in the Canton Chamber of Commerce since 1992, having served on the Board of Directors for six years. She belonged to Canton’s Business & Professional Women’s Association for 16 years, serving in various official positions. She also belonged to Canton’s Newcomers and Neighborhood Association, again serving in various official positions. Clarice was also very involved in the Danny Thomas’s first fundraisers for St. Jude Hospital, ALSAC (Aiding Leukemia Stricken American Children). She was Teen Chairman in high school and college.
Clarice was active in her church, St. Thomas a’Becket, for many years. She served on the funeral committee and the St. Vincent de Paul Society, Black Hat donations. Clarice loved being a Canton Lion, again serving her community for many years. Her devotion to the community will be remembered fondly and she will be deeply missed by all her knew her and especially by her loving family.
Memorial visitation for Clarice will be held on Thursday, December 5th, from 3:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at McCabe Funeral Home, 851 N. Canton Center Rd., Canton. Her visitation will continue Friday at 10:00 a.m. until the time of her Memorial Mass at 10:30 a.m. at St. Thomas a’Becket Catholic Church, 555 S. Lilley Rd., Canton.
McAuley Alumnae Blog 