Mary Claire Brost

She is preceded in death by her parents, Timothy and Agnes Brust, sister, Marilyn Londrigan, and son, Brad Brost. She is survived by her children, Kent (formerly married to Cindy, who remains a cherished family member), Corey, and Kitsie (husband Todd); grandchildren Brad and Kendall Brost, and Madison Timmons (husband Josh) and Adam Goers; as well as many nieces and nephews.

Mary Claire was born in Springfield, Illinois on November 26th, 1933. There, she attended Ursuline Academy. Shortly thereafter, she married Larry Brost. The pair spent their married years raising their family in Quincy, IL.

Mary Claire returned to her hometown of Springfield in the mid 70’s for several years where she held administrative positions with the State of Illinois House of Representatives. In the late 80’s, she moved to sunny Sarasota, FL, fulfilling her childhood dream of living on the beach. She found her dream job of managing Siesta Sands, a beachfront condominium on Siesta Key. It was in this role that Mary Claire’s skill, independence, and determination truly shone. She connected with both travelers and locals in the area, making several friendships thanks to her openness, warm heart, and sharp sense of humor. She was also an active member in the local chamber of commerce. Mary Claire had a beach house, an oasis where she indulged in long walks on the beach, views of dolphins swimming in the ocean outside her window, and the occasional martini, her favorite drink.

Eventually, Mary Claire returned to Illinois to be with family. In her later years, she lived at St. Joseph Home for the Elderly. The Brost family extends their sincere gratitude to the Little Sisters of the Poor, whose caring spirit uplifted Mary Claire throughout her more than ten years there.

Mary Claire’s fiercely loving, determined, and courageous spirit will never be forgotten, nor will her infectious sense of humor, which she carried through her final days here on earth.

A Funeral Mass will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, January 3rd in the chapel at St. Joseph Home for the Elderly, 80 W Northwest Highway, Palatine, Illinois. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Viator House of Hospitality, a home for young immigrant men seeking asylum dear to Mary Claire's heart, at the Viator House of Hospitality Business Office, 1212 East Euclid, Arlington Heights, IL, 60004, or online at https://viatorhouseofhospitality.com/howtohelp/.