Clara Thurner – January 17, 1942 – December 19, 2025
Clara was the troop leader of Hungarian Scout Troop #34 in Cleveland for fifteen years, from 1969 to 1984. At that time, it was one of the largest troops of the Hungarian Scout Association in Exteris, with more than 100 members. Clara passed away at the age of 83.
Born on January 17, 1942, in Hungary, Clara dedicated her life to education and to inspiring the minds of her students. She earned her master’s degree and went on to enjoy a long and fulfilling career in academia. Clara attended the University of Notre Dame, where she later became a professor. She also taught at John Carroll University, worked in elementary education and served as a professor at Cuyahoga Community College. Clara was known not only for her academic achievements but for her deep curiosity and love of learning. Everything was a teaching moment for her, whether walking through parks, explaining trees, or sharing her knowledge of nature. She had a special love for birds and the natural world.
Clara was deeply proud of her Hungarian heritage and dedicated many years to preserving it within the community. She was actively involved with the Hungarian Girl Scout troops in Cleveland, where she mentored young girls, shared traditions, and helped pass down Hungarian culture, values, and language. Her commitment to service and cultural pride left a lasting impact on the many lives she touched. Clara was known not only for her academic achievements but for her deep curiosity, love of learning and remarkable dry wit in multiple languages.
Clara was the daughter of Endre and Klara Thurner; sister to Rose (the late Alex) Balazs, the late Ilona Thurner, the late Priscilla C. Balint and was an aunt to many nieces and nephews.
From the Cleveland Hungarian Heritage Society
In October of 1994, Clara (Klára) Thurner became a Board member, named to serve out the remaining term of John Palasics. During her long tenure as director, she accomplished the following to make our museum stronger and better known:
1. 1996: Grant received from Traditional & Ethnic Arts Division of Ohio Arts Council for the production of the professional video on Hungarian embroidery – “Flowers in the Snow”. She worked on this with Maria Friedrich.
2. She was requested in years 1997, 98, 99, 2002 to be on the Executive Committee while simultaneously serving as Gift Shop Manager: 97, 98, 99, and in 2002 as Head of the Gift Shop Committee
3. 2002: member of the Colonel Michael Kováts Committee which included Maria Friedrich, Margaret Kotnik and Steve Szappanos. They participated in the Kovats’ Days Festival in 2004 and unveiled the statue of Col. Michael Kováts in Karcag, Hungary, donated by the CHHS.
4. July 2, 2006: On behalf of the CHHS in Dayton, Ohio, she received the “2006 Ohio Heritage Fellowship” award from Ohio Arts Council. She was accompanied by Margaret Kotnik and Steve Szappanos during the City Folk Festival. They provided a small exhibit and video presentation of the Museum
She also catalogued books in the Museum’s Library; was Sunshine Person for several years and wrote required or requested translations.
Her dedication to the CHHS will be remembered and appreciated. Her work was very valuable. May she rest in peace.
Szabó Éva
Life story and video interview, in Hungarian, on Bocskai Radio, December 2020.
