Died on Saturday, April 23 after a brief illness that neither diminished her laughter, nor her love of life and chocolate. Clarice was a life-long resident of Joliet, born to Tony and Rosella Ferro in 1948 joining big-sister and best friend Carolyn (Ferro). In 1975, she married Karl Kofoid, the love of her life, becoming step-mom to Laura (David Ricci), Andy (Monique Kofoid) and Doug (Marie Geanuleas), whom she loved and lectured as her own, and treasured her sister-in-law Mary Lou (Ward Theilman). The family grew with the birth of her daughter Tavia (Scott Westbrook), whom Claire loved "to the moon and back" as she liked to say. Claire was a wizard in the kitchen and a goddess with a glue gun. She adored celebrations, holidays, parties, get-togethers, card games, backyard bashes, shindigs, intimate dinners, evenings out, evenings in, pre-parties, after-parties, and any excuse to be with friends and family. Attending one of her soirees, you could be assured that you would eat too much, drink too much, laugh too much and stay out way past your bedtime. If you were invited over (or just happened to be driving by) during Halloween or Christmas, her two favorite holidays, you might marvel at both the decorations filling every square inch…and the infinite patience and good nature of her beloved husband Karl. For over 30 years, Claire shared her passion for cooking and entertaining to legions of students from Hufford Junior High and Joliet West as a Foods and Nutrition teacher. She was an inspiration in the classroom, imparting recipes, and tips and tricks, for cooking everything from meal basics to sumptuous desserts and enabling her students to cater important school events. For Clarice, there was no "retire" in retirement. Rather, retirement was simply more time to do more and spend more time with those she loved. From substitute teaching to helping friends with whatever they needed whenever they asked (or didn't) to near constant volunteering, Claire's life was full. She did not, however, waste one precious minute organizing much of anything, so kitchen cabinets were opened carefully and with caution warnings. Summer months were spent with Karl on their boat, cruising Lake Michigan and moving the aforementioned get-togethers to the water. Her favorite summer party was always on July 3 surrounded by friends and family in Monroe Harbor with fireworks booming overhead and the 1812 Overture playing in the background. "We are so lucky. This is the best year ever!" she would exclaim every single year. Claire took great joy in being "Nammy" to her grandkids, Claire and Lucy Westbrook, Sophie, Julien and Michael Kofoid, Simon and CJ Ricci, and Jack Kofoid…and her granddog Scout. Sleepovers, excursions, craft projects, favorite meals, dessert-before-AND-after-dinner, and Christmas with so-many-presents-you-can't-count made "Nammy" or Grandma Claire one special grandma. In life, Clarice's motto was, "I'll sleep when I'm dead." Her friends and family find that hard to imagine. The fun in heaven is just beginning. Claire loved flowers, so if you'd like, send a bunch to someone who needs a pick-me-up or to your favorite hospital or nursing home. If you'd rather, please make a donation to Joliet Area Community Hospice, whose help and care was precious to her family. Please send your donation to 250 Water Stone Circle, Joliet, IL 60435.