Mary A. Claire

Mary A. Claire, 79, of Watseka passed away on Friday, September 9, 2022 at her home. She was born on June 14, 1943, in Watseka, the daughter of Ollie W. and Vivian M. (Fortin) Lovelass. She married Ira L. Claire at St. Edmund Catholic Church in Watseka on July 1, 1967.

Surviving are her husband, Ira Claire of Watseka; one son, Jeff Claire of Watseka; one daughter, Julie (Kent) Schippert of Watseka; two grandchildren, Olivia Claire of Watseka and Wyatt Claire (fiancé Kacie Haag) of Watseka; four sisters, Diane (John) Gagnon of Watseka, Sue Butler of Sheldon, Trish King of Watseka, and Lori Lovelass of Troy, OH; brother in law, Steve Smith of Florida; sister in law, Lila Flessner of Loda; and many nieces and nephews.

Mary was preceded in passing by her parents; one sister, Linda Smith; three brother in laws, Jim Butler, Craig King, and John Flessner; her in laws, Herman and Elsie Claire; and her daughter in law, Marybeth Claire.

Mrs. Claire was a homemaker, former beautician, and held various other jobs from time to time when her kids were in school. She spent most of her time enjoying her grandchildren, Olivia and Wyatt, as well as being the farm cook and chauffer from time to time. Mary was an active parishioner of St. Edmund Catholic Church in Watseka, was a member of The Council of Catholic Women, Iroquois Memorial Hospital Auxiliary, and the Beta Gamma Phi Sorority. She was a former volunteer for Iroquois Memorial Hospice and The Iroquois County 4-H Fair.

Visitation will be from 4:00-7:00 pm on Wednesday, September 14, 2022 at Knapp Funeral Home in Watseka. A prayer service will take place following the visitation at 7:00 pm.

Funeral services will be at 10:00 am on Thursday, September 15, 2022 at St. Edmund Catholic Church in Watseka. Father Michael Powell will officiate. Burial will follow at Oak Hill Cemetery in Watseka.

Memorials may be made to Iroquois Memorial Hospice or St. Edmund Catholic Church Building Fund.

Please share a memory of Mary at knappfuneralhomes.com.