Sr. Mary Clare Brown, OSC
November 6, 1928 – November 9, 2021
MASS OF CHRISTIAN BURIAL: Virtually on Saturday, November 27th at 10am. Please go to www.heafeyheafey.com and click the “View Live Cast” button on the home page.
Celebration of Life: Saturday, December 11th from 2pm to 4pm at the West Center Chapel.
<<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>>
Sister Mary Clare, OSC
November 6, 1928 to November 9, 2021
She was born Rosemary Ursula to parents, Robert and Regina (Munchrath) Brown, in Omaha, Nebraska. As an only child, she attended Our Lady of Lourdes Elementary School, graduated from Cathedral High School and attended Duchesne College for one year. After college Sister worked as a File Clerk at Mutual Benefit Insurance Company.
Sr. Mary Clare entered the Poor Clare Monastery on October 31, 1948. Sister received the Habit on June 27, 1949, and Professed her Solemn Vows July 1, 1953. Sister Mary Clare’s loving and listening heart, drew people to seek her out on the phone for advice, consolation or just her listening heart. She had a warm smile and a mother’s gentle touch. Her sense of humor and light-hearted spirit made her easy to be around, never one to give into the negative. Whatever might be going on in a given day, Sr. Mary Clare’s response would be it’s all “perfect joy”. She found joy in everything! Always faithful to her prayer life, if Sister was not helping to dry dishes in the kitchen or assisting with opening the mail, you would find her in chapel praying the rosary. As a young child, her father gave her an option to learn how to ride a bike or take piano lessons. Sr. Mary Clare chose piano lessons and played for every Mass and celebration in our chapel thanks to her wise choice. Her last words before going home to her Spouse were “My God and My All”.
Sister is survived by many cousins in the Omaha and Iowa area and her Community the Poor Clare Nuns of Omaha.
6 Comments
May the devoted life of Sr. Theresina and Sr. Mary Clare merit them the great joy and peace of their heavenly reward. Prayers for them and all the Poor Clare Sisters.
My thoughts & prayers go out the Sisters of Poor Claire during this time. Both Sister Theresina and Sister Mary Clare will be remembered in my prayers. Two wonderfully kind sisters who had given out strength of faith to me & others through their prayers.
Sister Mary Clare very good organist, prayer warrior and abbess for many, many years. May her soul rest in peace.
It has been a gift to know Sr. Clare and the Poor Clare Community since my time as a seminarian in residence at St. Bernard’s Church. Before and after my ordination, Sr. Clare (then the community leader, showed such gracious hospitality and encouragement in countless ways over the years, It was my privelge to dine with them, have extended visitation with the Sisters, and pray with them, as well as Celebrating the Eucharist at their Monastery near St. Bernard’s Church. When Sr. Mary Clare and I arrange a blessing of animals at the monastery on the Feast of St. Francis, everything from birds to race horses were brought for a blessing. One of the senior Sisters of the community asked me to bless a stuffed animal that she had brought into their small courtyard to be blessed. When I wask the name of the sutffed dog, she quickly responded, “David,” with a broad smile on her face.
.
many blessings,
Fr. David La Plante
Our hearts are saddened to learn of Sister Mary Clare’s passing. As a child I remember visiting the monastery, when it was located on 29th & Hamilton. Sister Mary Clare was the last current nun who had resided at that location. She was a shining example of commitment to her order, especially as a leader and organist. Sister Clare is now promoted to playing music with the choir of angels.
Mother Mary Clare was my favorite nun of all time. She taught me St. Francis’ teaching on “perfect joy”, and she really lived up to her name and vocation. So peaceful and lovely – she will be missed greatly, but it’s hard to imagine she didn’t go straight to heaven – we now have a beloved intercessor! We’re having a Divine Liturgy for her soul this Monday, Nov. 29th at St Basil Byzantine in Sterling Heights, MI… 🎶 Eternal memory, blessed repose.” 🕯️+❤️🔥
Sign Guestbook