Claire McDonnell Obituary

Claire Ann McDonnell, 83, a resident of Libertyville for over 50 years, passed away peacefully on January 30, 2025. Born in Portsmouth, NH, Claire cherished her East Coast roots. After her parents moved the family to the Chicago area, her early life included time spent living at the Maryville Academy Orphanage in Des Plaines from age 7 until 12 along with her younger brother, George. At 21, she graduated from nursing school and soon after began her family. Balancing her passion for nursing with raising five children, Claire worked full-time, dedicating her life to caring for others. Her career included service at Winchester House, the Lake County Health Department, a Methadone Clinic, and as a Home Health Nurse.
Claire was actively involved in her community, serving on the school board, teaching Catholic education for many years, and participating in knitting and prayer groups. She loved traveling, especially to Ireland to connect with her family's origins, and frequent trips to Florida and the Carolinas while making the occasional visit to local casinos with her husband Jim. A dedicated Chicago sports fan, she was a 20-year season ticket holder for the Chicago Bears and a loyal Cubs fan via WGN radio broadcasts featuring Ron Santo and Pat Hughes. She will be deeply missed by all her friends and family.
Claire is survived by her children Kathleen O'Connor (John), Peg Styler (David), Kevin Scheibler, Patrick Scheibler (Molly) and Shannon Ventress (Christie); her step-children James and Michael; her grandchildren Bridget, Maureen, Colleen & John Patrick, Michael, Sam, Hannah & Tess, Jessalynn & T.J., Tatum, Sara & Emily, Brady, Cam and Will; 9 great-grandchildren; her sister Mary Talbot (Jim); nieces Megan Waring, Katie Lang, Erin Loughlin and nephew Jay C. Talbot; grand-niece Hillary Lang and grand-nephew Emmett Robinson. She is preceded in death by her husband James McDonnell; her parents Helen and James Loughlin; her brother George and his wife Jan; and her daughter-in-law Michelle.
Funeral Mass will be held at 10:30 AM on Monday February 10th at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 121 E Maple Ave., Libertyville with a visitation one hour prior to Mass. Interment to follow at Ascension Cemetery, Libertyville. In lieu of flowers, memorials made to the Maryville Academy https://maryvilleacademy.org/ would be greatly appreciated. Funeral info (847) 362-2626. Please sign the guestbook at libertyvillefuneralhome.com
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