Dahris, We Love You
By Chrissy Jackson
We are deeply saddened by the passing of Dahris Clair, beloved friend, writer, leader, and inspiration. Most of us know Dahris as the dynamo who established the FWA writers group in New Port Richie, coordinated mini-conferences and local writing contests, and published the monthly e-zine The Infinite Writer. We know her as the winner of the 2008 FWA’s President’s Award and the woman who, at the age of seventy-five, completed and published The House on Slocum Road, her fictionalized account of her ancestral family in New York. We know her as the gracious presence at FWA events. We know her as the epitome of Writers Helping Writers.
Dahris sang and played the organ in church and was active in Community Theater. Her most cherished role was that of Mame, the lead in the musical that ran to rave reviews in 1984 in Coral Springs, Florida. Dahris was an avid supporter of animal rights groups, the Juvenile Diabetes Association, and various other charities.
Dahris is survived by her husband Carl Aden, four children, five grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren. In keeping with her wishes, the family plans no public viewing or traditional funeral, but rather a Mass at Our Lady of the Rosary in Land O’Lakes, and in July, a Celebration of Life. For an invitation or to send condolences, please contact DahrisClairRemembered@hotmail.com. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to an animal protection agency or to the Juvenile Diabetes Association.
Please feel free to share your thoughts and remembrances of Dahris by responding to this post.
Dahris, may you rest in peace, and may your family share your peace. You are loved.
Chrissy Jackson is FWA President.
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What a lovely tribute, Chrissy.
It must give her family comfort to know she is remembered lovingly by FWA.
Enjoyed reading about her life and role in FWA
Dahris will be greatly missed. We all enjoyed her workshop and a few extra hours of visit a year or so ago, when she drove up to Lady Lake to do a workshop for our writers group. Her sparkling personality, friendliness and the wonderful tips she shared about self-editing will be remembered by us all. I’m so glad our paths had a chance to cross along life’s way.
I was blessed with her encouragement. She will be missed and well remembered.
In the few years I knew her, Dahris touched my life. We met at the first one-day writer’s conference in New Port Richey. The conference inspired me to join FWA. When I think of Dahris, I will remember her contagious smile, her positive outlook on life, her encouragement and the way she forged ahead despite the obstacles. Dahris was a beautiful lady inside and out. I was blessed by her coming into my life. I sincerely miss Dahris, but I’m grateful for the memories she carved in my heart.
Thank you for saying such wonderful things about my mother. They’re all true. One thing. It’s JDF Juvenile Diabetes Foundation. Thank you, Melissa, her daughter that had the kidney/pancreas transplant.
Thank you, Chrissy, for the wonderful tribute to Dahris. She was certainly one of a kind, so passionate and caring and tireless. I worked with her on many projects and was always so impressed by her efficiency, organization and attention to detail. Debra said it so well. Dahris was a beautiful lady both inside and out. It was heart wrenching to hear she had left us. I shall miss her terribly.
Melissa, she asked me to pray for you many months ago and I still am. Bless you and your family during this difficult time.