Clara Guerra

Clara Guerra, 85, of Surry, New Hampshire, passed away peacefully on Friday, March 27, 2026. Born on November 22, 1940, in Nashua, New Hampshire, Clara was the beloved daughter of the late Charles and Yvonne (Tiernan). She was also predeceased by her cherished son, Joseph Guerra, and her devoted husband of 63 years, Richard Guerra, who passed away in 2023. Clara was one of six siblings—Marty, Leo, Ruth, Irene, and Kathy—and held her large, close-knit family at the center of her life. She is survived by her loving children: her son, James Guerra and his wife Cindy (Howes); her daughter, Ann Peterson and her husband Bob; and her daughter-in-law, Melanie Guerra. Clara was a proud grandmother to seven grandchildren and one great-grandchild, and she leaves behind many dearly loved nieces and nephews. Family gatherings brought Clara immense joy. She never needed an excuse to host a celebration and was especially known for her annual pizza parties, often followed by a trip to Canobie Lake Park—a tradition treasured by generations of her family. Clara was a lifelong learner and passionate educator. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Chemistry from the University of New Hampshire in 1963 and later received her Master of Education from Antioch University in 1991. Over the course of her distinguished teaching career, she inspired countless students at Mount St. Mary’s (1975–1978), Nashua High School (1978–1997), and New Hampshire Vocational Technical College. She also taught at Rivier University and contributed to Elderhostel programs at Hawthorne College. Known for her creativity and enthusiasm, Clara brought science to life through hands-on learning. Her classrooms were filled with memorable experiences—from hot air balloon launches and mousetrap racers to toothpick bridge competitions. She also co-created and performed a traveling “Science Magic Show” with her dear friend and fellow educator, Bette Beaulieu, delighting students across the region. Clara’s excellence in education was recognized with numerous awards, including the HOIST (Hands On In Science Teaching) Award in 1989 and 1990, the Presidential Award in Science and Mathematics in 1992, and the “Twenty First Century” New Hampshire Teacher of the Year Award in 1997. Her faith was a guiding force throughout her life. Clara was an active member of St. John the Evangelist and St. Joseph Parish, where she served on the liturgy committee and as a Eucharistic minister, cantor, lector, choir member, and member of the St. Vincent de Paul Society. She was also a devoted parishioner of St. Christopher’s Parish. A time of visitation will be held on Tuesday, April 7th from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. at Dumont-Sullivan Funeral Home, 50 Ferry Street, Hudson, New Hampshire. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Wednesday, April 8th at 10:00 a.m. at St. Christopher Church, 62 Manchester Street, Nashua. All are kindly asked to meet directly at the church. Burial will follow at St. Patrick Cemetery in Hudson, New Hampshire. Clara will be remembered for her warmth, generosity, unwavering dedication to her family, and her extraordinary ability to inspire others through education and faith. Her legacy lives on in the many lives she touched.

Clara Guerra

November 22, 1940 - March 27, 2026