Mary Clare Vetter, 91, of Mercerville and formerly of Hazlet, passed away Sept. 8, 2016.
Mary Clare was born in Ticonderoga, New York, and was a resident of Hazlet for 56 years.
She attended Plattsburg State College in New York, becoming a registered nurse and joined the staff at the hospital in Glens Falls, New York. After moving to New York City and later to Hazlet, Clare (as her friends called her) became a library associate at the Hazlet Library.
A devoted friend of the environment, she formed, in 1968, the Citizens for Environmental Protection (CEP). As chairwoman of CEP, she petitioned the township to create the Environmental Commission of Hazlet Township, which helped educate township residents concerning protection of the environment. She also was the founder of the Nature Museum and Education Center, a friend of birds, trees and local children.
Mrs. Vetter was one of the seven environmental commissioners from 1970 to 1995 and vice chairwoman of the Environmental Commission in 1977. Mrs. Vetter engaged in a successful fight to save the Natco lake area in Hazlet from development. A petition was circulated to get signatures from residents to save the area. The petition was given to the Hazlet Township mayor and Council. As a result of this, the area was eventually purchased and saved from commercial development and became a part of the Park System.
As Mrs. Vetter pointed out, “the area should be protected from development and preserved in its natural state for residents to enjoy forever.” Natco Park’s forest trails and wildlife became a township hallmark. In her honor, a trail was named the “Clare Vetter Trail” and markers were posted.
In addition, Mary Clare Vetter was awarded a plaque from Hazlet Township in appreciation of her tenure of 12 years on the Board of Health and a plaque for 25 years of service to the Hazlet Environmental Commission.
She is survived by her husband of 58 years, Robert; a son, Karl; a daughter-in-law, Mary; two grandchildren, Philip and Melissa; and two great-grandchildren, Eli and Elizabeth.
