Claire Elizabeth Schlosser

Claire Elizabeth Schlosser (McGrath)

Claire Elizabeth Schlosser (McGrath), age 91, of Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio entered her new life on December 6, 2018. Claire joined her Creator peacefully and joyfully surrounded by her children and grandchildren.

Claire was greeted in Paradise by her loving husband of 54 years, Johnny; her daughter, Mary; grandson, Brian Kelleher; parents, Bill and Ann McGrath; brother, James (Maryann) McGrath; and sisters, Nancy (Don) Wilson and Winnie (Jim) Sovacool.

Claire was born in Ridgefield, N.J. and moved to the Akron area during high school, where she graduated from St. Vincent High School. She then went on to become a registered nurse, graduating from St. Thomas School of Nursing. During her early years of nursing she met her husband, John. On May 3, 1952 they started their lives together. From then on they were known as Johnny and Claire where they shared their devotion to Our Lord, their 12 children and each other.

As a child Claire's nickname was Miss Murphy and she always wanted 12 children. They welcomed each of their 12 children with such joy and love. They were truly exceptional parents filled with faith and thanksgiving for all their blessings.

Claire leaves behind 11 surviving children, Ann (Paul) Urbank, Teresa Schlosser, Winnie (Bill) Kelleher, Martha, loving twin to Mary, Ellen (Steve) Fisher, Jerry (Terry) Schlosser, Joe (Trish) Schlosser, Peggy Schlosser, Monica Miller, Pete Schlosser and Beth Comeriato. Claire became a Nana in 1979 starting with her eldest of 30 grandchildren, Eric Childers and ending in 2003 with her "Princess" baby Megan Montoney. In 1979, in honor of Claire's Nana "Chickie", she became Nana Chickie to her 17 great-grandchildren, her "Greats" as she called them. Claire also leaves her brother, Bill (Nancy) McGrath and Ann (James) Petit.

Being a devout Catholic, Claire had a few special devotions, one to St. Philamena and then a special one to "My Mother My Confidence", she would hand out badges to her very sick or dying patient's and experienced quite a few miracles. Her twin grandson Brian was born on Christmas Day in 1983 premature, while visiting him in the hospital she discovered the "Infant of Prague" and started her next devotion. She was a true faith filled person.

She loved nursing and worked for 45 years at Akron City Hospital where she retired. Claire and John always worked different shifts, so that one of them could always be with their children. Once in a while they loved to run to the beach for a long weekend together. Because of his love and devotion to Claire, Johnny, well kind of spoiled her! (Not that you didn't deserve it Mom!), but when her devout husband passed away 12 years ago she assumed her children would carry on His legacy! She was very fussy about a lot of things and so in the end we would have to go to different stores and drive-thrus to get her all her special things, coffee here, ice cream there, etc.! Sometimes, we would think, "if I have to go to one more drive-thru"!!! How we will miss those drive-thru's.

Being 100% Irish, Claire was known for her wit and wisdom. She was filled with loving advice for anyone who sought her out. She enjoyed her daily prayer walks in the park and spending time with her kids, grandkids and her "Greats".

The last year of Claire's life she could not see or hear, she never complained, she said that she was praying that someday if any of her kids get to be as old as she is that they have someone to take care of them the way she was being taken care of. She said she wanted to set a good example for her children and grandkids. It was an honor to have Claire as your mother, nana, nana chickie, aunt, sister or friend. She was not only a wonderful mother and grandmother but a true saint!

Claire's favorite holiday was Chritmas. Every Christmas Eve she would host a lasagna dinner, and all of her kids and grandkids would cram into her small house and feast together, it was chaotic happiness and wonderful memories! The last week of her life Claire knew she was close to death and kept saying she wanted to spend Christmas in heaven with Her Lord, her husband Johnny, daughter Mary who she kept saying "it has been long enough that I haven't seen her" and her grandson, Brian who she loved to hold. God is good, He granted the wish to His true and faithful servant. To keep this wonderful memory alive we are going to celebrate Claire's Christmas Eve tradition of our lasagna dinner. Hmm, wonder if they have a drive-thru we can pick it up from!!! We miss you already Mom! It gives us great comfort to know that you are with Our Lord, Dad, Mary and Brian. May you have a beautiful Christmas in Heaven.

He family would like to thank Kindred Hospice not only for the tender compassionate care they gave Claire, but also for the comfort and patience to all of her children and grandchildren. Every one of you did a wonderful job and we are forever grateful. May God bless you for all you do.

My Mother My Confidence.

Calling hours 2 to 6 p.m. Sunday at Ciriello & Carr Funeral Home, 810 Portage Tr., Cuyahoga Falls.

Mass of Christian Burial 11 a.m. Monday, December 10 at St. Eugene Catholic Church.

Interment at Holy Cross Cemetery.