Clare J. Whelihan, 73, of Eau Claire, died Saturday, September 27, 2008, at her home with grace and dignity, just as she had lived.\r\nClare was born in Eau Claire on November 10, 1934, the daughter of Clara (O'Brien) and Charles Geroux.\r\nClare married Thomas O. Whelihan on June 22, 1954, at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Eau Claire. He died February 10, 1998.\r\nShe was a life-long member of St. Patrick Catholic Parish, where she was a member of the church choir and actively engaged in the life of the church.\r\nClare started volunteering at Sacred Heart Hospital in 1970, where she worked in the hospital gift shop and later served as President of the Hospital Auxiliary from 1979-1981. Other activities include volunteering for the Epilepsy Foundation of Western WI. She selflessly provided care for individuals that she knew and loved. Clare also delivered food and gifts to unsuspecting people to brighten their day. \r\nIn the 1960's, Clare started her acting career in the Service League Follies. In 1980, Clare continued to fulfill her long passion of singing and acting with the Chippewa Valley Theater Guild in Eau Claire. For the past 28 years she had been able to express her talent entertaining audiences with her charm, wit, and wonderful voice. She was dubbed in the theater as the "Grande Dame". She later moved behind the scenes and assisted with all other facets of the theater. She was last known as a "Prop-tart", which enabled her to enter people's yards and businesses collecting props for theater productions. Show business truly was her life.\r\nFor over 40 years, Clare enjoyed life in the country on Priory Road, tending to gardens, morel mushroom hunting, photographing wildlife, and grooming her yard. She also enjoyed Tuesday Morning Ladies Golf League at Pine Meadows Golf Course (formerly Lowes Creek). Above all, she loved spending time with all of her family. Clare always was active in her grandchildren's lives and events.\r\nWith everything else going on in her life, Clare managed to successfully raise 7 children, which include, Robert (Barb) Whelihan of Eau Claire, Laura (Joe) Price of Iola, WI, J.B. (Laurie) Whelihan of Eau Claire, Julia (Patrick LaChappelle) Whelihan of Mancos, CO; John (Janeen) Whelihan of Chippewa Falls, Daniel (Sheryl) Whelihan of Eau Claire, and Erin Whelihan of Eau Claire. Clare will also be sadly missed by seven grandchildren, Meghan, Alex, Cameron, Colin, Easton, Kyle, and Shawna; her brother, Charles (Brigid) Geroux of Eau Claire; and by many nieces and nephews.\r\nShe was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; and a sister, Mary Bartosh.\r\nMass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m., Wednesday, Oct. 1, 2008 at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Eau Claire. Visitation will be held Tuesday from 4 to 7 p.m. at Lenmark-Gomsrud-Linn Funeral Home and one hour prior to Mass, Wednesday, at Church. A public prayer Vigil will be held 7 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home. Private family burial will be at Calvary Cemetery in Eau Claire at a later date.\r\nThe family would like to thank Dr. Beckermann, Dr. Ciresi, Dr. Rentzepis, Dr. Burns, and the clerical and nursing staff who provided care for Clare. Also, the Northwest Homecare Hospice staff, especially Heidi, for their care and support.\r\nThe family asks memorials be directed to the Chippewa Valley Theater Guild, 102 West Grand Ave., Eau Claire, WI 54703, or St. Patrick Catholic Church, 722 Fulton St., Eau Claire, WI 54703

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