Clara Joy O’Brien 1961-2023

Clara was born Dec. 8, 1961, in Sharon, Pa., the daughter of Doyel Ray O’Brien and Mary Tscharskaja. She graduated magna cum laude from Dana School of Music in Youngstown, received a Master of Music degree from Eastman School of Music and completed her training at Curtis Institute of Music. A Fulbright Grant took her to Europe, where she was quickly engaged by the State Theater of Baden. She appeared on the opera and concert stages throughout Europe and the U.S. and was awarded many honors and prizes. In 2003, she returned to the United States to teach, finally settling in Greensboro as professor of music at UNC-G.

She is survived by her husband of 36 years, Dr. Lance Hulme; as well as siblings, Doyel O’Brien Jr. and his wife, Cindy, Rosemary O’Brien-Richards and her husband, Douglas, Albert O’Brien, Jonathan O’Brien and Nathan O’Brien.

She was preceded in death by her parents, and her sister, Teresa O’Brien.

Her funeral will be at 2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 13, 2024, at Holy Trinity Episcopal Church in Greensboro.

Donations to Greensboro Urban Ministries, in lieu of flowers, are welcome.

Dr. Hulme would like to thank all the medical staff at Moses Cone Hospital who sought to aid Clara and helped provide a peaceful death.

Hanes Lineberry North Elm Chapel is assisting her family with arrangements. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared by visiting www.haneslineberryfhnorthelm.com.

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