Obituary of Clara M. Piedrahita

Clara Margarita Piedrahita, 88 years of age, from Lake Hiawatha, NJ, passed away on February 3, 2025 at Arden Court, Wayne NJ.

Clara, known as Margot by those closest to her, was born in Bogota, Colombia to Clara Rosa and Enrique Piedrahita on September 5, 1936.

For the majority of her career, she worked as a claims examiner for the NJ State Unemployment office. Clara's work gave her a great sense of pride and achievement when she was able to make a difference and help others.

She also had a love of animals and would care for strays who came across her doorstep. She enjoyed spending time gardening and engaged in many hours working on brain teasers, crossword puzzles, and learning about world events. Little things made Clara happy including a good cup of coffee, cookies, and a slice of pizza.

Most importantly, Clara was a doting and loving mother to her deceased daughter, Jennie Marie Lastra. She was a devote Catholic, which brought her much solace and peace especially toward the end of her life. Clara will be sorely missed for her quirky sense of humor, fiery spirit, quick wit, strong convictions and underlying caring and sweet nature.

Clara is survived by her nieces, Marlitt Bilcik and Danielle Helder, and nephew, Kevin Helder. She is preceded in death by her mother, Clara Rosa de Piedrahita, father, Enrique Piedrahita, sister, Maria Luz Helder, and daughter, Jennie Marie Lastra.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend the visitation at S.J. Priola Parsippany Funeral Service, 60 N Beverwyck Rd, Lake Hiawatha, on Thursday evening, February 6, 2025, from 7:00pm to 9:00pm. A Prayer Service will be celebrated at 8:30pm during the visitation by Father Diego Monsalve. Private cremation will follow. Clara's cremated remains will be laid to rest at Gate of Heaven Mausoleum in East Hanover, NJ surrounded by her daughter, mother, and sister