Carol Cleary, Alexandria Realtor, Dies at 70

Carol Leann Cleary of Alexandria passed away Oct. 6 after a seven-week battle with pancreatic cancer. She was 70. 

Born Carol Leann Peterson in Minneapolis on July 9, 1943, and raised in Hutchinson, Minn., Carol was the daughter of Margaret Prieve Peterson and Donald Peterson, a housing contractor. 

She married David J. Cleary in 1970 and lived in Bloomington, Minn., where she was active in political and civic activities. 

Carol and Dave moved from Minnesota to Alexandria in 1976 with their 1-year-old daughter, Erin, when David was appointed a White House Fellow. Carol became a realtor with McEnearney Associates in 1986 and subsequently became one of the top realtors in Northern Virginia focusing on the Old Town area she called home for 37 years.  

Carol was as meticulous and professional in her career as she was loving, caring and tirelessly selfless in her support of family and friends. She truly was one of a kind and is painfully missed by all.

Carol is survived by her husband, Dave; their daughter, Erin Cleary Murtagh, son-in-law, Paul Murtagh, and grandchildren, David, Robert and Margaret Murtagh of Washington, DC; brothers, Gary Peterson of San Antonio, Texas and Bruce Peterson of Hutchinson, Minn.; and a sister, Mary Peterson of Grand Forks, N.D.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested contributions to the Carol Cleary Fund at SCAN, a child abuse prevention organization founded 25 years ago by Dave. Carol remained involved with SCAN even while fighting her illness. 

A celebration of Carol’s life will be held from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 24 at the Torpedo Factory Art Center (105 N. Union St.).

Submit your obituaries to drewh@patch.com.