Clara Faist

CLARA ROSE FAIST. 91 FREEPORT - Clara Rose Faist, 91, of Freeport, died July 23, 2014 at Presence St. Joseph Center. The daughter of Louis and Helen (Hodapp) Faist, she was born July 30, 1923 in Lena, IL. She was an educator and spent most of her life teaching. She graduated from Lena High School and received her B.A Degree from Rosary College (Dominican University) River Forest, IL., and her MS and PhD degrees from Northwestern University, Evanston, IL. She taught in a number of high schools in Northwestern Illinois and was employed in Glenbard District 87, Glen Ellyn, IL., for 30 years. She was department chairperson and taught advanced placement mathematics to students at Glenbard East High School, Lombard, IL., from 1960 until her retirement in 1983. Upon successful completion of exams, these students received college credit for their courses. They later became doctors, lawyers, college professors and scientist etc., including an astronaut who worked on the space station. She was honored with a plaque in the school's Heritage Display Case for her contribution to the academic excellence of the school. During her teaching career, Dr. Faist was an active member of numerous professional organizations. She was listed in the fourth edition in 1978 of the World Who's Who of Women, in the 1977-1978 edition of Personalities of the West and Midwest, and in the 16th edition of Who's Who in the Midwest in 1978-1979. Clara Rose was a member of St. Thomas Aquinas Church, Presence St. Joseph/St. Vincent Auxiliary, Delta Kappa Gamma Society International, Freeport Arts Center, Stephenson County Historical Society, Illinois Retired Teachers Association and an honorary member of Freeport Garden Club. She was an election judge for a number of years. She enjoyed traveling, flower gardening, reading and was interested in politics, antiques and genealogy. Clara Rose was fond of Animals. She had a faithful miniature poodle companion and had a backyard feeder for the birds and squirrels. She was devoted to her family. Surviving are her nephews Robert (Karyn) Collier of Freeport and Daniel (Amy) Collier of Riddott, her niece Jan (Steven) Conrad of Andover, IL., great niece Robyn (Joshua) Joens of Shannon, IL., great nephew Troy Collier of Freeport and great grandnieces Emma Paige Joens, Hannah Rose Joens and Hayden Grace Joens of Shannon and Madelyn Irene Collier, and a great grandnephew Jacob Robert Collier of Freeport. Preceding her in death were her parents, her sister Irene Collier and a nephew Thomas Collier of Washington, D.C. Funeral Mass will be Tuesday, 11 a.m. at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church with Father Ken Anderson officiating. Visitation will be from 9:30 a.m. until the time of service at the church. Burial will be in St. Joseph Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established for St. Thomas Aquinas Church or a charity of the donor's choice. Visit the guest book at www.burketubbs.com.