Clara Theresa Kinkade

Bourbonnais - Clara Theresa Kinkade, 97, of Bourbonnais passed away at Ascension St. Mary’s hospital in Kankakee on May 9th, 2024. She was born August 12th, 1926 at home in rural Cullom, the 10th and last child born to William H. and Gertrude (Koerner) Deany. Clara graduated at 16 years old, as the salutatorian, from Cullom High School before moving to Kankakee with her mother and sisters. She married Paul Kinkade and together they raised 6 children: Paula (Mike) Hart of Danville, Mike (Bobbi) Kinkade of Bourbonnais, Debi (John) Schultz of Kankakee, Patti (Greg) Pietraszewski of Bourbonnais, Steve (Tracy) Kinkade of Indianapolis, IN, and Jeff (Tami) Kinkade of Kankakee. Along with her children, she is survived by her 15 grandchildren: Casey (Ashley) Kinkade of Cape Coral, FL, Brian (Samatra) Kinkade of Kankakee, Matt (Amy) Kinkade of Fishers, IN, Dr. Clinton (Tori) Kinkade of Boston, MA, Chelsea (Tim) Stanhibel of Bourbonnais, Ben (Courtney) Kinkade of Bargersville, IN, Corey (Amber) Schultz of Herscher, Rachel (Zach) Sell of Kankakee, Abby Kinkade of Indianapolis, IN, Jordan (Lily) Schultz of Kankakee, Courtney (Kyle) Klein of Danville, Riley Pietraszewski of Bradley, Ryan Pietraszewski of Bradley, Emily Pietraszewski of Bourbonnais, and Dr. Mackenzie (Tim) Keown of Kankakee. She is also survived by special sister-in-law Dorothy Walton of KS, four step-grandchildren; Eric Pietraszewski of Bourbonnais, Dena (Roy) Howell of Bourbonnais, Michael Hart (Ralph Iantosca) of Irving, TX, and Nick (Rosie) Hart of Las Vegas, NV, 23 great-grandchildren, and hundreds of nieces and nephews. Preceding her in death were her parents, five brothers; LeRoy, William, Don, Vince, and Mike Deany; and four sisters, Veronica Quigley, Mary Bernice Deany, Josephine Merten and Mary Elliot. After Clara graduated, she began her career selling hats and shoes at McClennan’s, a five and dime store in Kankakee. She then worked several years at the Kankakee County Credit Bureau. After her children went to school, she worked the front desk at Pediatrics Limited, where she met life-long friends, until her retirement in 1998. Clara was a member of St. Rose Chapel for over 80 years and prayed her rosary nightly. She was also a sports fan and loved attending her grand- and great-grandchildren’s activities. An avid card player, she played regularly at her card club in Bourbonnais. Clara was also known for her famous apple pies. Clara will be fondly remembered for her strong faith along with her unwavering love for family and will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her. Visitation will be Thursday, May 16th from 4 p.m. - 8 p.m. at Clancy-Gernon Funeral Home in Bourbonnais. Funeral services will be Friday, May 17th at 10 a.m. at St. Rose Chapel in Kankakee. Burial will follow at All Saints Cemetery in Bourbonnais. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Rose Chapel or the family’s wishes.

Clara Theresa Kinkade

August 12, 1926 - May 9, 2024