Kathy A McClure

Katherina Anna McClure, age 93, passed away after a brief illness on January 28, 2024 in Bakersfield, CA. Kathy was born January 11, 1931 in Burbank to a young teenage girl who was not equipped to raise a child. She was rescued from a very difficult life by her parents John and Myrtle Pera, a Christian couple in Bakersfield, who fostered her, adopted her when she was 6 months old, becoming the loving parents God had planned for her.

Kathy was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother, and an amazing friend to many. She was a woman of great faith who loved the Lord and believed in having fun and caring for others. She prayed for each of her children, their spouses, her grandchildren, their spouses, and her great grandchildren every single day. She was also on the Prayer Seekers at her church, Riverlakes, a privilege she took very seriously. She was only a phone call away if you ever needed the fiercest prayer warrior.

Kathy met her husband of 62 years, Donald McClure, in Bakersfield, where they both attended the First Christian Church. Kathy spent time with Don’s sisters Frankie and Shirley during her high school and college years so she knew the McClure family well. She went to a dance with Frankie and Shirley and Don asked her out. Don and Kathy eloped to Las Vegas on September 20, 1953, in a double wedding with Don’s sister Frankie and her husband Keith.

Kathy graduated from Kern Union (now Bakersfield High School) in 1948 at the age of 16 after the tragic loss of her beloved mother. She then attended Chapman College where she graduated with a teaching credential. She thrived at Chapman where she was a song leader, traveled abroad with the school, and was homecoming Queen. Her love for music and dance which she shared with her mom were furthered by the big bands playing at the Palladium. She was also a magician’s assistant in Hollywood!

Her first teaching job was in Los Angeles, the next year was in Arvin, and finally Bakersfield City Schools for over 20 years. She took a short break from teaching when her son, Jim was born but went back to teaching when he was in junior high school. It was during this break she became active in PTA serving as Local President and then Council President.

Kathy loved to travel - she and Don attended seven Super Bowls, visited friends and family in many states, including Hawaii. After Don died she went on cruises to the Caribbean, Alaska, and the Panama Canal with her children.

Kathy is survived by her children, Kathy (Wayne), Donna (Eric), Jim, her grandchildren, Kristen (Nathan), Rachelle (Donny), Jeff (Lesley), Kate (Mike), Donny (Heather), Lee (Candice), his great-grandchildren, Donny, Colton, Cora, Callum, Jameson, Mazie, Milo, and was excited to hear about one more due in July. She is also survived by her cousin Thea (Hans), and her sisters-in-law, Shirley and Meredyth. Kathy also had many nieces, nephews, cousins and honorary grandchildren whom she loved as well along with friends and neighbors who became like family to Kathy.

She is preceded in death by her husband Donald McClure and her parents, John and Myrtle Pera.

The service will be held at 12pm on Saturday February 24th at Hillcrest Memorial Park and Mortuary. A viewing is from 10am-12pm with burial following the service at 1:30pm.

Memorial Donations can be made to Kathy’s favorite charities – CRU (member numbers 0027606 and 2587482) and Riverlakes Church.