Clare Forney Hirata

Clare Forney Hirata of Davenport, Iowa, aged 94, passed away on December 11, 2025. According to her wishes, cremation rites have taken place, and a private family celebration of life will occur at a later time. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the American Cancer Society or Red Cross. Online, condolences and fond memories may be expressed at www.WeertsFH.com

Clare was born on November 28, 1931, in Manhattan, NY, to parents Adger Forney and Clare (Hurst) Forney. Her childhood years were spent in Connecticut. She pursued higher education with a bachelor's degree from the University of North Carolina Greensboro and furthered her studies with a master's degree in bacteriology from the Illinois Institute of Technology where she also met her husband.

In March 1960, Clare married Tetsuyuki "Ted" Hirata. They moved to New Jersey where she was a homemaker when their two daughters, Lee and Tracy, were young.

Clare had a profound appreciation for nature, especially gardens, birds, and backyard wildlife. She enjoyed art, both as an appreciator of others' work and as a creator herself. Additionally, she was an enthusiastic supporter of University of Iowa sports and the Chicago Cubs and Bears.

Clare is survived by her daughters, Lee Hirata and Tracy (David) Hirata-Edds; grandchildren, Kyle (Jenna) Edds and Corinne (Matthew) Edds-Reitman; great-granddaughter, Finley Edds, and many beloved nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Ted, and her siblings, Mary Burke, Anne Varanay, and Bill Forney.