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Clara Champion Obituary

Clara Mae Butler Champion of Sebastopol, CA, passed away peacefully at her home on September 12, 2010. "Mommae," as she was known to her family and friends, was born in Agaña, Guam, January 18, 1919, to Chester Carl Butler and Ignacia Bordallo Butler. Married 52 years to the late Milton H. Champion, US Army Air Corps, Ret., she was mother to Consuelo Burdette of San Jose, CA, Jacqui (Gary) McMahon of Santa Rosa, CA, Gerard (Cecilia) Champion of Agaña, Guam, Gregory Champion, Donna Champion, and Ron (Jill) Champion, of Sebastopol. She is survived by 13 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren. Predeceased by her grandson, Steven McMahon, and brothers Harry, Ben, and Jim Butler. She is also survived by her two sisters, Sister Carmencita and Sister Martha, Carmelite order, in San Francisco, CA. Mae and Milton were married on Guam in 1939. She came to live with her husband in Oakland after a whirlwind romance and honeymoon in Honolulu. Mae and her family lived in Oakland, eventually settling in Sebastopol, where they built, owned and operated the A&W Drive-In for many years. She enjoyed family gatherings, music, laughter, travel, genealogy, gardening, and volunteering in church activities where she taught religious education for many years. A member of the YLI of St. Sebastian's Parish, Mae was a woman of deep faith who instilled in her children and grandchildren the power of prayer. Visitation will be held at PLEASANT HILLS MORTUARY, 1700 Pleasant Hill Rd., Sebastopol, Wednesday, Sept. 15, 2010, 5:00-7:00 p.m., followed by recitation of the Rosary at 7:00 p.m. A funeral Mass will be held at St. Rose Catholic Church, 398 10th St., Santa Rosa, CA, on Thursday, Sept. 16, 2010, 1:00 p.m., followed by burial at Calvary Catholic Cemetery, Santa Rosa. Donations may be made to Little Sisters of the Poor, St. Anne's Home, 300 Lake St., San Francisco, CA 94118.

Published by Press Democrat from Sep. 14 to Sep. 17, 2010.
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Memories and Condolences
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I am sorry about the loss of your mother and I wish to express my deepest sympathy to Greg and all the Champions.
I'm far away but I think of you.
Carla.

Carla Fumagalli

October 7, 2010

Ma Mae always treated me like a son, ever since the early days at the A&W. She was full of laughter and had a sense of humor that escaped many people who didn't know her well, but was appreciated by many. She will be missed (and always remembered).
Dennis Wikoff

Dennis Wikoff

October 3, 2010

Mamae has been in my life since I was 15 yrs old. How can I not miss her? She always made me feel peaceful when I was with her, holding my hand and telling me, it will all be alright. I will miss her wonderful smiling, sweet face. I have blessed to know her.

Sharon Montoya

September 17, 2010

Our shinning light and example! We'll always love you MomMae.

All the Champions

September 17, 2010

I was also honored to know Mae she was a wonderful and amazing woman and very dedicated to hear faith. She will also be an Angel in my heart and thoughts. She will be greatly missed in the community.

Familia Millan de Cervantes

September 15, 2010

so sorry to here of your lost my mother often talked of your mother .My mom worked with your parnets at the A&W she is annis Baker I will let mom know she has been through a alot in the last 2 years losing her brother and sister on the same day and another sister a couple months later .

September 14, 2010

I was honored to know MaMae, as well as Milton, and her children for many years as a family friend. She was a wonderful woman, who raised a wonderful family. She is missed.

Steve Hemphill

September 14, 2010

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