Clarissa G. Frost

Clarissa G. Frost passed away early on Christmas morning, 2023 at Cape Memory Care in Cape Elizabeth, after a long period of declining health. She was born October 1, 1947 in Salem, MA, the daughter of James R. and Ann Wolfgram Frost. Clarissa knew adversity from an early age, beginning with a dangerously severe case of whooping cough at age 6 weeks that left her deaf. Her parents figured out how to help her communicate by showing her how to draw her needs. As soon as she could hold a pencil, her mother helped her draw a cup, a faucet, and a few drops of water. Though she couldn't speak, she was never thirsty again. She attended The Beverly School for the Deaf, a residential school, but hated being away from her family as much as her family missed her, so she came home. Miraculously, after a routine surgery for removal of her tonsils and adenoids when she was six, she could hear! She was determined to be "normal," and zoomed through school to make up for what she 'd missed, all the while drawing on every and any paper surface she could find. She loved words and using them to be precise and at times, to be hilariously funny and quick witted. Clarissa graduated from Marblehead High School, Class of 1966, as a member of the National Honor Society. A first generation college student, she continued her education at Framingham State College in Massachusetts, working summers, and completed both undergraduate and graduate degrees there. She was the first in her family to achieve a Master's Degree. Her personality was to be meticulous. Her working career included employment that reflected being specific and measured. She worked as a careful cook to create good food, as a dietician, a sailmaker and professional sewer, a skilled draftsperson, and a caregiver. In the 90's Clarissa wanted independence from renting, and, as a single woman, bought a small house to make into her longtime home, an unusual accomplishment at that time. Clarissa was active in her home church, The Saco-Biddeford Unitarian Universalist Church, singing in the choir for many years. She also volunteered with The Harbour Singers, providing music and comfort to Hospice residents. Music was her joy! Singing gave her both pleasure and purpose. On her last day of life, she roused long enough to find and sing the perfect note of harmony as her family sang to her. She loved animals and gave homes to many cats and dogs through pet ownership, fostering, and volunteering. She was feisty and determined, but also a realist. She faced her dementia diagnosis head on, and worked with her family to put in place the necessary legal and medical arrangements well in advance of her inevitable decline. Her wish was to remain in her own home and live independently as long as possible; and she did. Despite her deteriorating health, she remained positive and kind. Staff at her facility, Cape Memory Care in Cape Elizabeth, returned her graciousness and cared for her with warmth and regard. Clarissa's family is so grateful for their kindness. In addition to her parents, Clarissa was predeceased by a brother, Christopher W. Frost. Survivors include her siblings, James S. Frost (wife Stephanie Podulke), Margaret (Peggy) A. Marchand (husband Roger), April Frost (husband Kenneth Kerr), William H. Frost, and Nancy F. Lausier, and many nieces and nephews, cousins, and friends. Arrangements are with A. T. Hutchins Funeral and Cremation Services, 660 Brighton Ave. A Celebration of Life for Clarissa will be held 10 AM Saturday April 6, 2024 at the Saco-Biddeford Unitarian Universalist Church, 60 School Street in Saco. Donations in her memory can be made to the animal shelter of your choice or to an organization supporting dementia research

Clarissa G. Frost

October 1, 1947 - December 25, 2023

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