Anita I Clarkin

Anita (Palamides) Clarkin, 89, of Erie and formerly Conneaut Lake, passed away on Sunday, September 16, 2018, at St. Vincent Hospital in Erie. She was born on May 14, 1929, in Pittsburgh, PA, the daughter of the late Quintilio and Lena (Giarrusso) Palamides. She married John Clarkin on May 3, 1949. It was one of her earlier jobs as a waitress that provided the chance meeting of the handsome carpenter, John. Being 100% Italian, it was in her nature to want to feed everyone, so when John—who was too skinny, in her opinion—would place his order, Anita would change it to bring him something more filling. Little did they know then, she’d be his waitress for 60+ years. While in Pittsburgh, she was a crossing guard at Highland School. After relocating to Conneaut Lake, she worked at Country Fair and Lakeside Drive-In. This lady loved to laugh! Whether it was dressing up for Halloween with friends or sitting at the dinner table, her sense of humor kept her friends and family laughing. An avid golfer, she and John enjoyed the sport for many, many years. They met their golfing idols while volunteering at several PGA senior tournaments. Ironically, the woman who loved to talk, had to hold the HUSH sign. One of her favorite pastimes was putting together puzzles. She shared that hobby with other residents of Elmwood Gardens, where she lived. She is survived by a daughter, Lisa Rawson and her husband Scott, of Lake City; two sons, John Clarkin and his wife Carol of Lexington, KY; and William Clarkin and his wife Cathy, of Hickory, PA and several grandchildren and great-grandchildren. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband John Clarkin, and brothers Ernest and John Palamides. Friends and family are invited to call at Our Lady Queen of the America’s in Conneaut Lake on Saturday September 22 from 10-11 a.m. Mass of Christian burial will be at 11 a.m. Burial will be in the church cemetery immediately following the service. Those who are unable to attend the services are welcome to attend the luncheon afterwards at the church. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested a donation be made to the local high school golf team.  Checks can be made payable to Conneaut Area School District and sent to Lisa Rawson, 1390 Maple Ave, Lake City, PA 16423