Claire M. Karcher

Claire Karcher, age 87, passed away on December 9th, 2023. She was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, to Joseph and Claire (Pfeifer) Beyerl, the eldest of four children. She grew up in Glenshaw playing baseball and football in neighborhood games, and searching for fossils in railroad cuts. She received her RN from Braddock General Hospital's School of Nursing, married David Karcher and had 5 children, moving to Illinois in 1967.

When all the children were in school, Claire returned to work as a visiting nurse, then as a public health nurse for Cook County. She loved nursing, especially working with babies and new mothers. She later attended Chicago State University to achieve her 4-year Bachelor's degree in nursing at age 59.

After her retirement from Cook County Public Health, she taught certified nursing assistants at Daley College in Chicago for several years. She enjoyed teaching and passing on her skills and passion for caregiving.

Claire loved animals and spending time outdoors, especially hiking and camping. She enjoyed plays and the opera, traveling, and spending time with her many friends. She was a long time member of Beverly Unitarian Church, volunteered with Midwest Workers and donated to social justice, Native American, and environmental organizations. She was warm, generous, and had a hug for everyone.

Claire is survived by her children, Karen Karcher (Scott Thompson), Eric Karcher, Mary (James) Rogan, Brian Karcher and Robert Karcher, as well as many nieces, nephews and extended family. She was preceded in death by her parents, former husband David Karcher, sisters Lois Kobierski and Janet Vitanza, and brother Richard Beyerl.

A celebration of Claire's life will be held at Beverly Unitarian Church on Saturday January 27, 2024, at 1pm. It will be available over Zoom, and a link can be provided via email, please email [email protected] for details.

Services provided by Blake Lamb Funeral Home in Oak Lawn.