Clare Katherine Schade's Obituary
Clare Katherine Pfeiffer Schade was born August 11, 1931, in the Bronx, New York and passed into her eternal rest on July 24, 2023, in her home of 56 years in Miami, Florida surrounded by her five children. Clare was the daughter of William and Klara Pfeiffer who immigrated from Germany and were married and lived in the Bronx, NY. She was the first child of the Pfeiffers and sister to John Pfeiffer. She had a happy childhood and graduated from high school in 1949 and attended a year of trade school learning secretarial skills. Following the tragic death of her mother, Clare at age 20 met and married Henry Nicholas Schade, Jr. in 1952 and was blessed with five children in the first eight years of their marriage.
Clare dedicated her life to her family as they grew and remained so until the end. She was a selfless person, always putting her families’ needs above her own, often to her own detriment. She was our taxi driver, and never complained about the many trips to school, ball games, rehearsals and other activities we participated in. She was our encourager and confidant, always wanting the best for each one of us.
Clare was a life-long member of St. Timothy Catholic Church where she served in many capacities. One of the most recent was assisting in counting the weekly offerings on Monday morning where she built many meaningful friendships.
She was also a life-long member of the German American Social Club in Miami where she enjoyed celebrating her German heritage with others with the same background. She participated in a German folk dance group preforming in places such as Disney’s Epcot Center. She also loved the season of Octoberfest where she volunteered.
After raising her children, Clare worked for J.C. Penny in Human Resource from 1978-2001 and retired at age 70. She was known there as “Penny-mom” since many associates came to her for counsel and help with multiple issues.
She was an accomplished seamstress and loved to knit. Every family member has multiple pieces she knitted for us personally. One of the favorite items she knitted for us we named “Nane’ socks.”
She was preceded in death by her parents, William and Klara, brother John and Grandson, Nicholas Schade Whitlock, and Grandson Nick Schade.
She leaves behind her children: Henry Schade (Debby), Robert Schade (Giselle), Clare Whitlock (Jimmy), Millie Doubleday, Paul Schade; grandchildren: James Whitlock (Kelli), Jennifer Oleson (Rex), Henry R. Schade, Julie Roberts (Matt), Emily Lloyd (Adam), Christie Schade, Robert A. Whitlock; Great-grandchildren: Kaitlyn Whitlock, Ila Clare Whitlock, Wen Whitlock, Christian Roberts, Nicholas Roberts, Grayson Roberts, Aubrey Oleson, Hunter Schade Whitlock, Zoey Oleson.
A funeral mass will be held on Friday, July 28th, 2023, at 10:00am at St. Timothy Catholic Church located at 5400 S.W. 102nd Ave., Miami, FL. 33165. She will be laid to rest at Forest Lawn, Newnan, GA. In Lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Captain Nicholas Schade Whitlock Foundation. www.whitlockfoundation.com (Nicholas was Clare’s grandson).
Funeral Arrangements are handled by Van Orsdel Funeral Home (Miami,
FL) and McKoons Funeral Home (Newnan, GA).
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