Clara (Vu) Duval

Clara Duval (nee Vu), age 45, of Merrimack, NH and formerly of Manchester, NH and Houston, TX, passed away after many battles with cancer. She passed while holding her husband's hand and with her mother and his aunt by her side.

She is survived by her husband of almost 19 years, Trevor Duval of Merrimack, NH, formerly of Manchester, NH and Houston, TX, her Mother, Kim Vu of Houston, TX, her Stepmother-in-law Sandy Duval, plus a sister, brother-in-laws, aunts, cousins, nieces and nephews. She is predeceased by her mother-in-law Katherine Duval of Houston, TX, her father-in-law Stephen Duval of Manchester, NH and her father, Hung Vu of Houston, TX.

A proud graduate of the University of Texas, she became a dedicated educator who taught middle and high school science in the Houston area and later in southern NH. Her career was derailed on multiple occasions by chronic migraines and the effects of her cancer treatments. While her professional career as a teacher was cut short, she remained passionate about learning, for herself and others. When her health allowed it, she found other outlets to help others learn, including as a tutor and classroom aid.

A city girl who grew to love the outdoors, she found joy in nature, from the smallest details of life to the grandeur of the universe. She was just as happy on the water in her kayak, working on math problems or enjoying the company of those dear to her. Her life of illnesses taught her that there is nothing more precious than time with family and friends.

Despite all of her health issues over the years, her optimism for "tomorrow" remained constant as "tomorrow" always had the chance to be better than "today".

Many often said she had such strength to deal with day to day struggles of life with 30 plus years of daily migraines of various degrees and years of recurring procedures, chemotherapy and surgeries. Clara often said she did not feel strong and that for her it was not a question of strength, but of having no other choice but to live. What those closest to her saw was how she carried herself with grace despite her constant pain, had the courage to live the best life she could under the circumstances life had dealt her and a love of family and friends that helped carry her through her "bad days'. Despite living in chronic pain, Clara sought to be an aid and comfort to those in her life up to her last days.

Like the sunflowers she loved, she was bright and brought joy to those who got to know her.

For many, she was a friend. For those who loved her as she loved them, she was family. To her husband, she was simply the love of his life, always and forever.

A private celebration of life will be held at a future date.

In Lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be to the Norris Cotton Cancer Center and should be sent to:
D-H/Geisel Office of Development
One Medical Center Drive, HB 7070
Lebanon, NH 03756-0001

Please write in the memo line “in Memory of Clara Duval”