Claire Y Benac Prather

Claire Yvonne Prather, 85, passed away Tuesday, February 7, 2017, at home, surrounded by the love of her family.

Claire was born May 5, 1931, in New Bedford, MA, to George and Rosanna Benac. She attended Fairhaven High School and then St. Luke’s Hospital School of Nursing in New Bedford, graduating as a registered nurse. In 1952, Claire married Charles Victor Prather of Kansas City, MO. The couple made their home in the Northland where they raised ten children: Denise Munoz (Pete), Duane Prather (Xue Ru), Diane Pate (Chris), Darlene Armes (Curtiss Heineken), Dennis Prather (Joyce), Darrell Prather (Stephanie Hezel), Darren Prather, Dale Prather (Tammy), Dean Prather (Rozanne), and Dawn Cierpiot (Eric). Along with her children, Claire is survived by Charles, Al Benac her brother, and Rita Mayer her sister, both of Fairhaven, MA, 29 grandchildren and 32 great grandchildren.

To know Claire was to know a kind, fun-loving woman who lived a life of joyful service. She was devoted to her Catholic faith, committing herself as an Oblate, and serving in many ministries. Claire enjoyed thrifting, reading, traveling to see family, and all things nautical, especially lighthouses. Most of all, she was a generous and loving nurturer to anyone in need. Claire truly lived God’s call to welcome the stranger, feed the hungry, and care for the sick.

Friends may call Sunday, February 12, at St. Patrick Catholic Church. The Rosary will be prayed at 4:30 p.m., and the visitation will be from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be February 13, at 10:00 a.m., at St. Patrick Catholic Church, and burial at Terrace Park. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations in Claire’s memory to Unbound (in support of Claire’s sponsored child), Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, or Multiple Sclerosis Society.

Fond memories and condolences may be left at www.mcgilleyantiochchapel.com as arrangements are under the direction of McGilley Antioch Chapel, 3325 NE Vivion, 816-453-7700