Heather McClarey

Heather Lee McClarey went to rest with her Heavenly Father on June 29, 2012. Her quirky sense of humor, fiercely independent style, and strong embrace of social issues imprinted the hearts of each life she touched. She was a beautiful living portrait of daughter, sister, aunt, niece, cousin, granddaughter, friend, and most importantly mom. Our moments with her were precious and far too few, but we celebrate her life and all she gave us in spirit and love.

She was born in the early morning hours of January 16, 1970, to Randi and Ken McClarey at Great Lakes Naval base in Waukegan, Illinois. Heather joined an older brother, and had a vast and wonderful journey into adulthood. She grew up traveling in Europe and other exciting places; trips with her family, movies and concerts which left her with a lifelong love of Pink Floyd, the Doors, War, and other music artists from the 70’s. This shaped her political views which led to lively conversations and activism in the political process.

She had a memory for retaining unusual facts, and was a master at retrieving toys in claw machines. She graduated from Valley High School in 1988. Heather worked at Haase’s Grocery Store through High School until closure. Then Walmart for 12 years before her illness made it impossible to work.
Heather was preceded in death by her father, Kenneth McClarey, her great- grandmother, Pearl Kluht, and her grandfather, Darrell Carper.

Heather is survived by her husband, Chris Shaffer; her daughters, Heaven Maria Abigail Shaffer and Catharin Danielle Pearl Shaffer; her mother and step-father, Randi and Manuel Perez; her brother, Brian (Lori) McClarey; and nieces, Tayler and Madison, step children; Dawn Lynn Beard and Bradley James Shaffer; step grandchildren, Braelin Robert Nicolas Beard, Destiny Rose Shaffer and Aden Ricky Wesley Shaffer. At the time of her death, Heather had a close circle of family including aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends who will greatly miss her. She was admired for her loyal heart, her childlike faith, and a rare courage shined through her soul to the very end.

Funeral services will be held at 7 p.m., Tuesday, July 3, 2012, at Hamilton’s Funeral Home, 605 Lyon Street. Visitation will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the family in loving memory of Heather.

Online condolences may be expressed at:
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com

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