Mary Clare Stakem, age 85, passed away on Tuesday, May 13th at The Culpeper in Culpeper, Virginia. Born on May 1, 1940, in Cumberland, Maryland, she was the daughter of the late Edward Malloy McNamee and Anna Mae Shank. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, The Honorable Paul J. Stakem.

Mary Clare graduated from Ursuline Academy in 1958 and Frostburg State in 1962 with a degree in Art Education. She taught art for Allegany County Public Schools and Bishop Walsh High School and spent many years as a substitute teacher.

Mary Clare was a member of St. Patrick's Catholic Church, Our Lady of the Mountains Parish.

Mary Clare was an avid crafter and fiber artist. She made many lovely afghans and sweaters for her loved ones. She loved decorating the inside and outside of her home for every holiday and season. She shared her gift of decorating with the many displays in the Knights of Columbus window on Center Street. She was a very active member of Wamba Caravan #89, International Order of the Alhambra, and played a vital role in the ACIT Program and Coaches' Brunch committees. Mary Clare also loved animals, especially her numerous dachshunds and turtles. Mary Clare enjoyed traveling to Ocean City and Myrtle Beach for beach vacations with her family. She also enjoyed traveling to New York City to see numerous Broadway shows with Paul and their dear friends, Tom and Charlene McConnell.

Mary Clare is survived by her only son, Timothy P. Stakem and his wife, Tracey (Grapes) Stakem, Woodberry Forest, Virginia and her two grandchildren, Parris and Aidan C. Stakem; her sister, Alice (McNamee) Delaney, Wheeling, West Virginia; brothers-in-law, William Stakem and wife, Susan, Cumberland, and Mike Stakem and wife, Diane, Cumberland and several nieces and nephews.

Friends will be received at the Scarpelli Funeral Home, P.A., 108 Virginia Avenue, Cumberland, on Sunday, June 8, 2025 from 2 to 4 p.m. The Wamba Caravan 89, Alhambra will conduct a Crescent Service at 4 p.m. A Christian Wake service will immediately follow.

Inurnment will be in SS Peter and Paul Cemetery on Monday, June 9 at 11 a.m. with a committal service held by Fr. Mark Carter, OFM, Cap.

In lieu of flowers, the family would like to honor the memory of Mary Clare with gifts to Allegany County Animal Shelter, 716 Furnace Street, Cumberland, Maryland, 21502 (mailing address: P.O. Box 566, Cumberland, MD 21501-0566).