Clare M. Hughes

Clare Mae Hughes, 93, of Roscoe, IL, went to be with the Lord on March 23, 2025. The daughter of Germaine (Poppelier) Gaines, granddaughter of Alois and Emma, she was born on October 25, 1931 in East Moline, IL. On February 19, 1955, she was united in marriage to William LaVelle Hughes of Rock Island, IL. She was a graduate of East Moline High School and St. Anthony Nursing School, Rock Island, IL. She worked as a registered nurse from 1953 through 1965 before becoming a stay-at-home mother.

In 1980, she was a founding member of The Church of the Holy Spirit in Roscoe, where she hosted the initial Mass celebrations in her home. She held several positions at the church, including teacher of CCD and confirmation classes. She received the Catholic Woman of the Year award in 2012. Clare was devoted to Jesus and her Catholic faith. She prayed The Divine Mercy daily, and she prayed for her children, grandchildren, and many others. When you needed prayers, you knew you could count on Clare. She enjoyed knitting blankets, hats, mittens, and scarves. She was especially known for knitting items in Chicago Bear colors, which became known as “Clare Wear”.  

She is survived by her children, Rosemary (Jim) Reed, Albany, MO, William (Linda) Hughes, Warren, MI, John (Amalia) Hughes, Payson, AZ, Sara (Matt) Younger, Tomahawk, WI, Daniel (Luanne) Hughes, Roscoe, and David (Patty) Hughes, McKinney, TX; 19 grandchildren; 24 great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, William L. Hughes; her parents; her sister, Virginia Ferry; and great-grand-daughter, Hope Elizabeth Allen.

Her family would like to thank the staff of Alpine Fireside and OSF Hospice, for their care and compassion during her final days.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00am on Friday, April 4, 2025 at The Church of the Holy Spirit, 5637 Broad Street, Roscoe, IL 61073.  A visitation will be held from 4:00pm to 6:00pm on Thursday evening, April 3, at Honquest Family Funeral Home with Crematory-Roscoe Chapel, 11342 Main Street, Roscoe, IL 61073.  A private burial will be at Floral Lawns Cemetery, South Beloit. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Society of St. Vincent de Paul, 620 Blackhawk Blvd., South Beloit, IL, 61080.

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