Clara Shaughnessy

Biography

Clara M. Shaughnessy, 83, of Sawyer, passed away on Sunday, December 21, 2008 at Lakeland Regional Medical Center, St. Joseph.

A memorial service will be held at a later date at Harbert Community Church. As an expression of sympathy, memorial contributions may be given to Harbert Community Church, PO Box 197, Harbert, MI 49115 or the Humane Society of Southwestern Michigan, 641 S. Crystal, Benton Harbor, MI 49022.

Mrs. Shaughnessy was born November 7, 1925 in Riverdale, Illinois the daughter of the late Clarence and Linda (Nerche) Foster. Her father passed away at a young age and her mother married Albert Watts whom Clare and her siblings considered their Dad. Clare went to work at a young age for the IC Railroad in Chicago and stayed for 39 years as a claims investigator. After retiring to Sawyer in 1985 she volunteered at Lakeland Regional Medical Center, St. Joseph. She served as Auxiliary President from 1995-1996.

On August 30, 1947 she married David R. Shaughnessy and he preceded her in death on December 29, 2007. They enjoyed many happy years together and she was ready to be reunited with him. She will be missed by many. She was always eager to bake cookies and cakes or lend a helping hand to those in need. Truly she had a servant’s heart.

Survivors include her sister, Jeanette Pozniak of West Palm Beach, Florida; an “adopted” daughter, June (Dave) Tompkins of Valparaiso, Indiana; and many special friends and caregivers.

Clara was also preceded in death by a sister, Bonniejean; and two brothers – Clarence and Donald.