Clare Hutchinson Cochran

Clare Hutchinson Cochran, 65, of Mount Pleasant passed away peacefully in the early morning hours of November 13, 2024, in the loving care of Crescent Hospice at Wellmore of Daniel Island after a difficult battle with Alzheimer's and Dementia.

Clare was born in Charleston, South Carolina, on June 6, 1959. Growing up a "Charlestonian" she attended Ashley Hall School (Class of 1977) from first through twelfth grade, where she was proud to be a "Purple". She also sang in the "Red Choir" and mentored many of the underclassmen. In her younger years, Clare enjoyed sailing in the Charleston Harbor, playing piano and dancing with The Charleston Ballet Theater. Upon graduation from high school, she attended the College of Charleston where she studied Education with aspirations of one day becoming a teacher. Like her father who taught Sunday School at Grace Church, Clare taught Sunday School at St. Mary's in Charleston. Clare's college days were quite busy as a full-time student while also working as an engraver at Croghan's Jewel Box on King Street. In addition to her studies and job, Clare was a member of the Chi Omega Sorority and lived at the sorority house on campus. She additionally served as the President of The Panhellenic Council at The College of Charleston. Clare quickly realized after her student teaching experience that becoming an educator was not in her future. She then shifted her focus to attending the Medical University of South Carolina and earning a degree as an Occupational Therapist. During this time, Clare sang in the Christ Our King Choir and served as one of the cantors. Clare spent many years working at MUSC, and later Tampa General Hospital caring for a variety of patients including stroke victims and those dealing with chronic pain issues. Clare's talents as a gifted artist made Occupational Therapy a perfect fit, as she frequently designed and built not only items to help patients perform daily activities, but also programs and processes to help them deal with their physical problems. Clare's artistic abilities led her to start a small greeting card business and later to win a national award for calligraphy. Clare was a talented and effective problem-solver. Her kindness and compassion for her patients and others helped her excel in her vocation. Clare, having lived in Florida for many years, moved back to Charleston in the early 2000's where she worked at The Bird's Eye View Gallery and for the Sisters of Charity of Our Lady of Mercy located on James Island. She then devoted her life to caring for her aging Mother, Diane, as she too battled Alzheimer's. Clare will be forever known as a kind person with a sweet spirit.

Clare is survived by her brothers, Edward Hutchinson Cochran, Jr. (Elizabeth), Michael Manning Cochran (Arlene "Muffy"), her niece, Caroline Howerton Cochran and nephew, Edward Hutchinson Cochran III, as well as her former spouse and good friend, Mark Kehoe. The family would like to thank Grace Steed and family for their excellent care and companionship of both Clare and her mother, Diane, during their final years.

Clare is preceded in death by her parents, Edward Hutchinson Cochran and Diane Heisser Cochran.

Funeral Services will be held graveside at 11 AM on Tuesday November 26, 2024, at the St. Paul's Anglican Church Cemetery in Summerville, SC. The family will receive friends at The Carolina Yacht Club, 50 East Bay Street, Charleston, SC 29401 from 5 PM to 7PM later that evening.

Memorials may be made to Ashley Hall School (www.ashleyhall.org), The Alzheimer's Association (www.alz.org) or the charity of one's choosing.

Arrangements by James A. McAlister, Inc. (843) 766-1365.