Clara Eloise (Larson) Rachlen, age 86, passed peacefully in her sleep on September 7, 2018. She was born in Cambridge on December 23, 1931 to the late Martin and Emily (Donnelly) Larson. Clara was raised in Roxbury and Randolph, lived in Malden for many years and in Melrose since 1994. She worked for many years until her retirement as a cook with the Tuell Nursing Home in Melrose. Clara had a passion for cooking, was a gourmet cook & baker and had a great sense of humor. But above all she cherished the times spent with her children and grandchildren. Clara was the beloved mother of Wayne Rachlen & his wife Dana of Houston, Texas, Keith Rachlen & his partner Gina Capizzi of Lynn and Debra Rachlen of Medford. Cherished grandmother of Keith Ruehrwein and Marrie Rachlen. Also survived by many loving nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, she is predeceased by her siblings, Winnefred (Morton) Swan, Ernest Morton, George Larson, Ruth (Larson) MacArthur, and Emily (Larson) Kelly. Visitation will be held at the Gately Funeral Home, 79 W. Foster St. Melrose on Friday, September 21, 2018 from 2:00-4:00PM. Relatives & friends are respectfully invited to attend. Funeral services & burial will be private. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made in Clara's name to Mystic Valley Elder Services, 300 Commercial Street, #19, Malden, MA 02148.