Claire M. Strawson

Claire M. Strawson passed away on Friday, July 22, 2016. She died peacefully surrounded by family and friends. Born in Manteno, IL on March 5, 1924, the daughter of Omar & Elizabeth Audette, she was a life-long resident of Wesley Township. She married Arthur G. Strawson on September 3, 1943. He preceded her in death November 27, 1992. In addition to farming with her husband, she loved her flowers, gardening, exercise classes, raising livestock and being part of the rural community. Above all, she enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Because of her diverse and active lifestyle, she had many friends of all ages that brought much joy and fulfillment to her life. She was a member of the CCW affiliated with St. Rose Catholic Church in Wilmington, IL and volunteered at Kuzma Cottage. She was also a member of the Will County Farm Bureau and the American Angus Association. She is survived by two sons, Ron (Eileen) Strawson, William (Ann) Strawson and one daughter, Dianne Burns; seven grandchildren, Scott(Kristin) Strawson, Amy (Dustin) Kolwelter, Brent(Nicole) Strawson, Todd and Brian Burns, Kyle and Justin Strawson; four great-grandchildren Jenna, Evan, Nora and Guy Strawson. She is also survived by one sister-in-law, Christine Audette of Romeoville, IL. She was preceded in death by three brothers and two sisters-in-law, Paul & Ruth Audette, Ray & Lucille Audette, and Gene Audette. The family would like to thank all of her friends and neighbors for their friendship and acts of kindness and a special thank you to those that took wonderful care of her and showed such compassion, thoughtfulness, and companionship throughout her illness. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Illinois Veterans Home at Manteno or Hospice of Kankakee Valley. Visitation will be held from 4:00-8:00 p.m. on Sunday, July 24, 2016 at Clancy-Gernon Funeral Home in Bourbonnais. Visitation will also be held from 10:00 a.m. Monday, July 25, 2016 until the 11:00 a.m. funeral Mass at St. Rose Catholic Church in Wilmington. Rosary service will begin on Monday at 10:40 a.m. Following the funeral Mass, Claire’s body will be donated to the Anatomical Gift Association, as per her request.

Claire M. Strawson

March 5, 1924 - July 22, 2016