Born: August 20, 1946 URS: October 4, 2016
“Alia Clara Johnson was a devoted mureed, mother and grandmother, tireless contributor to her community, and treasured friend.
Clara Alia put her curiosity and love of learning to work as the owner and operator of Harold’s Bookstore (Wakefield, RI), one of the first New Age bookstores in New England. For 20 years, until 1995, Harold’s provided many in the community with a gathering place, center of new thinking, and place of peace, and often hosted our Sufi Order classes. After closing Harold’s, Clara worked for Tauck World Discovery tours for 15 years, leading tours in locations including the Southwest, Yellowstone, and Costa Rica. She later engaged in extensive volunteer work in her community, serving multiple organizations.
Clara Alia formed authentic relationships with all kinds of people. From lifelong friends to bookstore clients and to fellow travelers, she always took time to get to know others. At Clara’s heart was her family: children, grandchildren, sisters, nieces, and nephews who loved her dearly.
Clara Alia was guided by her spirituality in all that she did. She journeyed across the world to broaden her mystical understanding. She was known as Alia within her Sufi community and Wahane to her Native American teachers, and she had a connection to many other faiths. She sought to understand the deepest questions in life, and she shared and guided others on their own spiritual paths.
Alia was an inspiration and shining light to all that knew her; her spirit remains very living and present to those who knew and loved her. May she be blessed as she continues her journey.”