Clarabel Siegel Wilson

Clarabel Elizabeth Siegel Wilson, born January 13, 1929, passed away peacefully, October 22, 2025. She was the middle child of William H. Siegel and Nora Heintzelman Siegel, born in the home her father built in Drums, Pennsylvania. A cold day on the cusp of the Great Depression, she was famously kept alive at birth by being placed in the kitchen oven for warmth—a method unconventional, yet successful. Clarabel grew up in “the valley” of Drums—a postcard perfect rural vista that she would always call home. She is predeceased by her sister, Betty Siegel Wright and her brother, William Siegel. She is survived by a half-brother, John M. Siegel. After graduating from Hazleton High School in 1946, she attended TWA Airline Business School in Kansas City, MO. Upon completing her coursework, Clarabel ventured to Queens, New York, working in the communications department of TWA. One of a few female administrators of her era, Clarabel fondly recalled a chance encounter with Howard Hughes. Yet it was another meeting at TWA that changed her life: there she met Robert C. Wilson (1926-2016). The two married in 1949—Clarabel wearing an elegant ice-blue satin wedding gown—and honeymooned in Cuba. The Wilsons moved to Hicksville, NY where their first two daughters were born, Karen Wilson Powell (James) and Christine Wilson Lemp (Donald). Following a brief time in Pine Grove, PA, the family settled in Bayport, New York where their third daughter was born, Laura Wilson Spinella (Matthew). Clarabel raised her family there, active in the Girl Scouts and St. John’s Lutheran Church, Sayville, NY. An inventive and skilled seamstress, Clarabel fashioned countless costumes, endless home décor pieces, and wardrobes for her children. She took great pride in her house and family life, devoting herself fully as a homemaker. With three daughters having graduated from college, Clarabel returned to the workforce at Grumman Aerospace as an executive assistant. Clarabel and Robert spent years traveling the world: the British Isles, Germany, Austria, and Israel being among her favorite destinations. Her greatest joy, however, came from her eight grandchildren: Jaclyn Munio (Justin), Megan Spinella, Keryn Breyo (Chris), Melissa Moore (Cole), Jamie Spinella, Kelsey Kimlin (Max), Andrew Powell, and Grant Spinella. She delighted in teaching them to swim, hosting tea parties, and spending time with each one. She is also survived by six great-grandchildren. Clarabel enjoyed gardening, was a lifelong Frank Sinatra fan, and was known for her many “from scratch” dishes, especially her spaghetti and meatballs—a favorite among family, friends, and neighbors alike. In their later years, the Wilsons lived in Salisbury, Maryland and Brevard, North Carolina before returning to her beloved Drums, where they built their final home together. The couple celebrated 67 years of marriage before Robert’s passing in 2016. In recent years, Clarabel relocated to Milledgeville, GA to be closer to family. A service will take place at Calverton National Cemetery at a future date.

Clarabel Siegel Wilson

January 13, 1929 - October 22, 2025