Claire Chisholm Rhoads
I was born Claire Marie Chisholm in Boston, Massachusetts on May 23, 1944, and lived a happy and full life, enriched with family and friends. My heavenly Father finally allowed me to join Him on August 15, 2020, and I do so with a peaceful heart. I have missed my parents, Alexander Chisholm and Iva D’Entremont Chisholm, and my sister, Mary Ellen Bonfiglio, so I am thrilled to be reunited with them. My sister, Nancy Ryan, of Boston, will have to wait her turn but we will hold a spot for her in Heaven.
I have lived in Texas for the past 44 years but still consider Boston my hometown. I have never lost my Beantown accent to a Texas drawl, so my pronunciation of the hard A’s and soft R’s often brought smiles and laughter to those who teased me about “Pahking the Cah at Hahvad Yahd”. As their biggest fan, I will continue to root for my favorite teams, Red Sox, Bruins, Patriots, and Celtics.
I was married to Christopher Rhoads, and was blessed with five amazing children, who will always be my greatest joy in life. My eldest, a daughter, Carolyn Kniss (Jason) of Richmond, Texas has two wonderful children, Olivia and Hogan. My second child, daughter, Jennifer Lyssy, has three beautiful daughters, Silsbee, Samantha, and Maya, they live happily in Austin, Texas. My oldest son, third child, Christopher, resides in Dickinson, Texas. Christopher has a job, a house, a truck, a boat and a dog. He has never married and he needs a wife! Second son, fourth child, Alexander, married Robin and they live in Austin. Alex keeps Austin weird and Robin keeps Alex happy. My youngest child, daughter Kathaleen, lives in Dickinson. She is smart, beautiful, funny and kind, just like her mother.
After my marriage ended, I went to work for United Space Alliance for several years, then took early retirement. Retirement afforded me so many wonderful opportunities. I became a Master Gardener, a volunteer with Dickinson Citizens on Patrol, and one of my most enjoyable times was spent as a docent at Moody Mansion in Galveston. For many years, I served on the Board of Directors for Keep Dickinson Beautiful and was an active volunteer. I was a member of the Dickinson Historical Society and Weed and Wish Garden Club. Furthering my creative side, I enrolled in a variety of art classes in College of the Mainland’s Lifelong Learning program, and believe it or not, I was an award-winning artist and sold several pieces of my work.
My life has been a grand stage. I played my part as daughter, wife, mom, grandmother, sister and friend in the only way I knew how, with unconditional love, immense laughter and heartfelt compassion.
To my five children, stay forever young. To my Vitus hospice family, “thank you”, your care and support helped in completing my life’s journey. To my C.O.M. comrades, stay strong and carry on. To my ice cream friends, ice cream any time! No rules! To my Master Gardening friends, heads down, bottoms up! To my good neighbors, “thank you” for your prayers and soup. To Julie Masters, keep on making Dickinson beautiful. To Wednesday whiners, serve some cheese with your wine, and lift a glass to me. Remember all, until we meet again, know that I am loving you.
Visitation will be held at Shrine of the True Cross Catholic Church, 3722 Spruce Dr. Dickinson, TX 77539, Friday, August 21, 2020, from 5:00pm to 7:00pm with a Rosary at 7:00pm. The Funeral Mass will be at True Cross on Saturday, August 22, 2020 at 10:00am. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Crowder Funeral Home in Dickinson. Please consider your personal risk factors and comfort level for funeral services. The family knows that everyone may not be able to attend due to these unique circumstances. All hugs are assumed.
In lieu of flowers, I would like you to make a donation to the Democratic Party or Keep Dickinson Beautiful. Disclaimer: The political reference expressed above is that of the author and does not necessarily reflect the position of the children.
R.I.P. Claire. You were a beautiful lady and I am thankful to call you my friend.
Oh, I love this! It is so very Claire!! Love you, sweet Lady. Pray for Us!!
What a beautiful lady!
My dear cousin. We didn’t see each other often in our adult years – distance playing it’s part – but I treasure the time we did spend together. Love, laughter, lunch , and field trips… You are missed.
Dear Claire, I met your beautiful, intellectual, sweet, prayerful daughter Jennifer at a church sponsored women’s weekend of prayer. The moment, I met Jennifer, I knew we would take praying to the next level and remain friends through happiness and sadness. I have been in Jennifer’s life and have watched her children grow up under her motherly care.
I have only met you once Claire in Austin but you resonated in my heart through Jennifer. Jennifer had asked me to make you a blue crystal rosary which you prayed on most of the time. The night you left, Jennifer texted me in CA and asked me to pray for you along with your children who stood guard at your bedside. I did and felt your presence in my heart.
Dear Claire you entered into the arms of the Blessed Mother. You are home. Rest In Peace.
My condolences to the family of Claire.
Annie-Alex Nathenson
My sister my friend
I will miss you all the days of my life
Claire, I am so glad that you were part of our Acadian genealogy trip in 2004. Discovering our shared roots with you was so much fun and it’s a memory that I will always treasure. Jusqu’à ce que nous nous revoyions…
It was always a special treat to meet with you at various functions. You will be missed. What a fantastic obituary and condolences to your children.
Dear Claire- You were like a beloved sister – Cousins have a special relationship- after all our mothers were sisters- I was happy that we could start saying good bye since Christmas- but we were praying for a miracle- on the feast of the Assumptiom August 15th you went home- and I sat down at the piano and played “Claire de Lune” without getting the connection- “Claire equals light” Janice called that tune “Claire the crazy one” . There is a lot of “Craziness” in the family and I think it was passed down from Mary Martha and James. Peace to all your family.
Claire enriched our lives, made us laugh, argued her points but kept us as dear friends, and blessed us in many ways. We will miss her everyday and are thankful for the joy she gave so many…and some terrific backyard parties!! To her fantastic children, we join you in your sorrow and are here for you in any way you need.
Though we only knew each other a few years, Claire became a great friend, as she was to so many. She was an elegant, witty , strong woman. I shall miss her dreadfully.
Awww….I will always remember our talks over the fence in our backyards! Sending lots of prayers to all the kids and big hugs too!
To the Rhoads children, your mom was such a gift to so many people and especially to you. Remember her lessons, her joy and her faith. May the memories you have sustain you until you, too, join her in the nearer presence of God. I loved your mom and I count myself blessed to be able to have shared time on this earth with her.
Praying for your comfort,
Elizabeth Reimer
You were an amazing lady Mrs. Rhoads! Your sons and daughters were all lucky to have you all the wonderful years that they did. There are many people including myself who will never forget you. Three cheers for such a nice and special lady.
Rest In Peace wonderful Lady. Common sense, humanity, grace and a fantastic sense of humor describes Claire. We will miss you so much.