Obituary of Clare DiBenedetto

Clare was a ‘tour de force’ blessed with clarity of thought, wisdom, strength, and boundless energy, elevating motherhood to the highest level.  An excellent judge of character, Clare was described by her 99-yr-old sister who survives her, as the backbone of the family. The consummate matriarch,well before even becoming a mother, and the youngest of four, Clare ran the household from an early age. Her word was law but her strength was always tempered by an empathetic and generous heart especially for those less fortunate than herself. 

By age 28, Clare was the mother of five children in under six years. They blessed her in turn with 13 grandchildren and 24 great grandchildren, with another on the way. A fearless woman of strength and vision, Clare empowered her children and grandchildren to pursue their dreams, believing nothing was beyond their reach with hard work and commitment. 

Blessed with an artistic eye, Clare had a lifelong passion for collecting fine art and  antiques.  She often collaborated with her sister, Wanda Vargas Quintanilla, an artist, designer, and ambassador's wife, to create visually stunning interiors.  Clare's father, Francesco, a skilled fine cabinet-maker, built fine cabinetry and furniture that still adorns the family homes. Her mother, Teresa, a professional seamstress and born cook, designed family clothing and instilled in Clare a passion for cooking. A pioneer for healthy eating and green smoothies long before they were popular, Clare was also a superb cook who hosted memorable dinner parties and enjoyed using her finest china and crystal for family holidays with the grandchildren.  

Surrounded by her loved ones, Clare peacefully went to her eternal rest one month to the day after Charles, her husband of 74 years, passed.  She inspired us all by her faith, fortitude and focus on her enormous family.  Her extended family feels privileged and blessed to have had Clare in their lives. They will be travelling from various parts of the world to attend her funeral and honor the woman who  played such a powerful role in their lives. Clare's dynamic, feisty personality will be missed by all but her spirit remains alive in the hearts of family, friends and all who knew and admired her.  

Clare and Charles supported multiple charities worldwide most especially missionaries serving poor children abroad and at home. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Clare DiBenedetto's name to The Don Bosco Mission and Boys Home in Kollam, India, an orphanage that educates and prepares the most disadvantaged children for productive careers and lives at: https://g.co/kgs/a3WvwdJ and to: Good Counsel Homes, a nationally recognized nonprofit offering housing and supportive residential care and community-based services for homeless, expectant and new mothers and their children. Donations at: goodcounselhomes.org

Clare's funeral mass on Monday, March 10 at 9:45am will be live streamed at:

https://stpathuntington.org/livestream-mass Monday morning click on the link for the daily 9am mass for Mar 10 and the funeral mass will begin live streaming a few minutes before 9:45am