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BORN
1940
DIED
2021
Claire Pratzner Obituary
On April 25, Claire Louise Pratzner went home to our Lord.
Claire was born August 31,1940 to Cecelia (Riley) and Paul D. Matthews, in Wilmington, DE. Both her parents and older brother David C Matthews preceded her in death. She is survived by her sister, Elaine Mathews (Bruce) and sister-in-law Joan Mathews. Claire lived her full 80 years of life in Wilmington, Delaware. She was married to the love of her life, James T Pratzner, Sr for 58 years. They have four children together: James, Jr (Kelly), Nicole Pratzner-Swarbrick (John), Natalie Rickards (Brian), and Paul (Connie), 21 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren. Claire loved people and never met a stranger, nor did she speak an unkind word about anyone. She excelled in real estate where she had worked for over 35 year. She also kept busy selling Sarah Coventry Jewelry, singing with the Diamond State chapter of Sweet Adelines, bowling in several leagues, and being a wife and mother.
She was very loved by her family and many friends. All will miss the light and joy she brought to the world, with her style, singing, laughter and heartfelt written notes.
Burial will be private.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Claire Pratzner
Diane Scott
May 11, 2021
I will miss my friend's smile and the way a room got brighter when she cam into it. We sang together on the Diamond State Chorus risers and at many sing-outs in a quartet or small group about 20 years ago. Sha was the bass mother hen for us on those occasions. May she breathe easy in heaven.
Pamela A Lepper
May 10, 2021
I am so sad to read this, Claire was a wonderful, caring human being. She was a great part of DSC and I loved singing with her. She shared her Real Estate knowledge with me and I enjoyed working with her for the time I did. She loved her family, loved singing and loved life in general. She will be missed for sure. May her memory be a blessing.
Pamela A Lepper
May 10, 2021
I am so sad to read this, my condolences to the family. I loved being around her and Jim. She shared her love of Real Estste with me. Heaven now has a wonderful singing angel. She will be missed...
Joyce Fangman
May 10, 2021
Ronda Bolinger, Pam Adams, (Me) Joyce Fangman sang with Claire in a quartet called “Four Fun”. And boy did we have such fun together. We laughed so much every time we were together. We sang for a group at the DuPont Hotel where we were standing very close to a frozen chiseled ice sculpture!!! We were all practically frozen but Claire said she thought her backside was most definitely frozen! Another time we sang for a ladies tea event where all the women attendees were wearing large themed tea hats. Needless to say we laughed at “wish we knew” so we could have worn crazy hats but all and all our performances were entertaining. Claire was so warm and her smile radiant. She was quick to give a hug and words of encouragement to her friends. We all loved Claire and she loved us back!!!
Laurie Jozefyk
May 10, 2021
My condolences to Jim and the family. I shared my birthday with Claire and sang with her in Diamond State Chorus.
Pamela Nichols
May 10, 2021
This is very sad. Claire was so full of joy, encouragement, giving support to her Sweet Adeline sisters. I have known her for about 35 years. She was a wonderful singer with a beautiful, mellow voice. Personally, she always encouraged me as director of the Diamond State Chorus.
Pamela Nichols
May 10, 2021
Claire and I go way back in Sweet Adelines. She was such a great, resonant singer, but beyond that, a kind, caring and encouraging Sweet Adeline sister in the Diamond State Chorus. My sympathy goes out to Jim, the children and grandchildren.
Betty Callaway
May 10, 2021
I am stunned to learn of Claire's death. We were bowling buddies for many years and continued to keep in touch--mostly via Facebook. I will not forget her terrific attitude and laugh! My sincere condolences are extended to her wonderful family.
John laursen
May 10, 2021
One of the nicest ladies I ever met in my real estate career. She was kinda and honest. A true nice lady
Carol Succarotte Daniels
May 10, 2021
So very sorry to hear of the passing of Claire. She was a kind and friendly person. I have worked with Claire in real estate and she will be missed. God Bless you all during this very sad time.
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