Clara J. Maestre

Clara Jean Maestre, aged 86 of Chicago, passed away on the morning of Friday, May 8th, 2026 at Palos Community Hospital. Clara was born on January 30th, 1940, the daughter of the late William Joseph Toth and the late Rose (Hotwagner) Toth.

Clara was the beloved wife of the late Augustin “Augie” Maestre, the sister of the late Carolyn (William) Kirnbauer, the late William (Carol) Toth, the late Robert (Sally) Toth, and Katherine (William) Toth. She was the adored mother of Anthony (Magdalena) Maestre, Steven (Lynn) Maestre, Thomas (Marjorie) Maestre, and Christine LaMonica. She was the treasured grandmother of her 8 grandchildren, Valerie, Alyssa, Jesse, Joshua, Emma, Andrew, Sara, and Michael. Praying to one day be a great grandmother, she was blessed with 9 great grandchildren, Natalie, Emilia, Brody, Isabella, Mack, Wyatt, Elliana, Casey, and Peace. Clara was also loved deeply by many nieces, nephews and the many friends she made over the course of her life.

Clare dedicated herself to Prospect Federal Bank for over 50 years. She began working there in 1956 and worked her way up to corporate secretary. Working tirelessly to support her family, her well-deserved retirement came in 2010. When Clare was away from her desk, she was an avid golfer and bowler. Alongside her husband, Augie, they spent their free time playing the sports they both enjoyed. Clare loved a good old-fashioned White Sox baseball game and an ice cold beer to go with it. She loved to cook for her family. If you’ve ever gotten to share a holiday with Clare, you’ve probably had her famous German potato salad and been offered a chocolate, or two. She had a beautiful garden that she meticulously took care of, and always knew the answer if you had a question for her about your own garden. Clare was a storyteller at heart and had a wealth of knowledge about collectibles, history, and anything related to her family lineage.

Once her husband passed, Clare traveled the world, spending her time discovering new countries in honor of Augie. Above all, Clare loved her family fiercely. She was the matriarch of her family, and will be forever missed.

Visitation will be held at Blake-Lamb Funeral Home, 4727 West 103rd Street, Oak Lawn, IL 60453, US, on May 14, 2026, from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm, followed by a Funeral Service at Blake-Lamb Funeral Home from 1:00 pm to 1:30 pm.

A Committal Service will take place at St Mary Catholic Cemetery and Mausoleums, 87th Street & Hamlin Ave, Evergreen Park, IL 60805, US, on May 14, 2026, from 2:00 pm to 2:30 pm.