Clare Therese Collica died peacefully on Friday, March 3, 2017 in Dallas, Texas. Clare was born on October 3, 1953 to Anthony (Tony) and Jane Nemetz in Columbus, Ohio. Clare was the fourth of seven children of the Nemetz family. Clare’s early years were spent in attending Holy Name Catholic School in Columbus, Ohio. The Nemetz family moved to Athens, Georgia in 1964. Clare graduated from Clarke Central High School in 1971. She graduated from the University of Georgia in 1976 with a degree from the School of Social Work. While in school, Clare worked at numerous Athens institutions (Beechwood Cinema, Gigi’s Italian Restaurant, and Charlie Williams Pinecrest). Her life was dedicated to assisting those who needed help. She worked for many years for the Department of Family and Children Services in Fulton and Gwinnett Counties. Later in her work career she managed a Chapter 11 Bookstore in Alpharetta, Georgia.
Clare married Robert J. (Bob) Collica in September 1985. Bob’s job had them relocate to Dallas, Texas in 2004. Clare had her older sister Mary Alice (Fritz) and her family already established in the Dallas area. Clare suffered through a number of health issues over the past years. Fritz and her family served and assisted Clare during those years. Clare considered her older sister her Guardian Angel as do the other siblings. Clare was a free spirit her entire life as attested in her wishes to be cremated and her ashes to be spread in the Atlantic Ocean.
Clare (aka-Curly) was preceded in death by her parents, Tony and Jane Nemetz and a nephew, Stuart Nemetz. Clare is survived by her husband Bob Collica of Dallas, Texas and her brothers and sisters, Thomas and Susan Nemetz of Athens, Georgia; Christine and Bob Brownlie of Charlotte, North Carolina; Mary Alice (Fritz) and David Ketchum of Austin/Dallas, Texas; Margaret and Bill Crawley of Duluth, Georgia; Joseph and Julie Nemetz of Athens, Georgia; Cathy (Kate) and Mike Clutter of Athens, Georgia. Clare is also survived by many nieces and nephews and grand nieces and nephews.
The family will honor Clare with a private family memorial on Sunday, April 2nd.
In lieu of flowers, Clare and her family request donations to Books for Keeps (booksforkeeps.org) and Oasis Catolica.
Condolences can be sent to the family at 1201 Ferncreek Drive, Bogart, GA 30622.

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