Mary Claire Badura

Mary Claire Badura passed away surrounded by her loved ones on June 29, 2025, in Dallas, Texas. She is survived by her daughter Kathryn Murgas (Michael), nieces Susanna Pathak, Anne Lamb and Amy Draeger and nephew Daniel Draeger (Barbara). She is preceded in death by her parents James and Catherine Pansch and sister Donna Simenson.

Born Mary Claire Pansch in Racine, Wisconsin on September 26, 1931. She excelled in all things academic, graduated from St. Catherine’s High School, earned a Bachelor of Arts from Dominican College in Racine, and a Master of Arts (Library Science) from University of Wisconsin - Madison.

Mary Claire began her career as a teacher before discovering her true calling in librarian. Early in her career, she managed a Bookmobile that served Northern Wisconsin, bringing books and knowledge to rural communities. She went on to serve for 33 years in the Wauwatosa (Milwaukee) School District, where she oversaw the administration and growth of school libraries across the system.

Mary Claire made a home in West Allis, Wisconsin with her mother and her daughter, Kathryn. She provided for her family of three, instilling in her daughter a strong Catholic faith, work ethic and a “tough love” that came through in all she did, taught and accomplished.

Mary Claire loved being on and near the water. She took her family to Cancun, on Caribbean cruises, Mississippi River cruises and to the Amazon in Peru. She retired early and moved to the intercoastal west coast of Florida with her beloved golden retriever Niki, where she spent almost 30 years enjoying the sunshine, the beach, kayaking and boating until moving to Dallas, Texas in 2015.

A memorial mass will be held on July 30, 2025, at 10AM at St. Bernard of Clairvaux Catholic Church, 1404 Old Gate Lane, Dallas, Texas 75218. Interment will be next to her parents at Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery in Racine, Wisconsin.