Claire Gates

Claire LeClaire Gates, 95, of Charleston, IL died at 9:20 P.M. on Thursday, June 2 2011 at Odd Fellow-Rebekah Home in Mattoon, IL. She was born in Lake Linden, Michigan on May 17, 1916 to Marie Jacques and James LeClaire. After graduating from Lake Linden High School, she attended the Cook County School of Nursing and graduated as an RN in 1939. She worked at Montgomery Sanitarium, Cook County Hospital, and in private service until enlisting in the Army in February of 1942 and achieved the rank of second lieutenant.

On May 15, 1942 Claire married Edward C. Gates while living in Chicago, Illinois. In 1950, they moved to Charleston where she worked at the Charleston Hospital and assisted in Edward’s dental practice for 25 years. When Edward retired, Claire went to work at the Hilltop Nursing Home as an RN at the age of 65 and continued working there until she was 75 years old. She was a long time member of the Charleston Country Club, St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church, St. Cecelia’s Circle, and countless bridge clubs. She loved to play golf and her passions were knitting and bridge. Through the years, her family enjoyed the fruits of her knitting, and she donated hundreds of knitted hats to St. Charles for their annual Christmas drive. She recently celebrated her 95th birthday.

Her life was full of love given and reciprocated by her 4 children: Judy Merrow of Atlanta, GA; Jim Gates (Connie) of Isle of Palms, SC; John Gates (Sue) of Kell, IL; and Jacquie Linney of Evanston, IL. Grandchildren Wendy (Keith) Parry; Brett (Dee) Ritter; Kevin Gates; Kimberly (Chaz) West; Nathan (Emily) Gates; Aaron Gates; Whitney (Jim) Davidson; Kelsea, Kris, and Karra Linney; and 8 great grandchildren. She has two sisters Kay D’Agostino of Hancock, MI, Shirley Sauber of Golf Shores, LA. and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband Edward, her grandson Terry Ritter, and brother Frank LeClaire.

Funeral services were held at 11:00 A.M. on Thursday, June 16, 2011 at St. Charles Borromeo Church, 921 Madison, Charleston, IL. Visitation was held one hour prior to the service at the church. Edwards Funeral Home assisted with arrangements