Claire Ann Gillan

Claire Ann Gillan, age 87 of Mingo, passed away on Saturday, December 24, 2022 at Newton Health Care Center in Newton.  Funeral Mass will be held on Friday, December 30, 2022, at 2:30 PM, at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Colfax.  Burial will take place at Graham Cemetery near Mingo.

The daughter of Lynwood and Katherine (Kelleher) Gillan, Claire was born on November 9, 1935 in Kennett Square, Pennsylvania. Claire attended St. Patrick Catholic School growing up. Our beloved Aunt Claire was a proud native of Pennsylvania. She moved to Iowa in 1994 with her mother, Katherine, so that she and her sister Jeanette could care for their mom in her later years.

Claire worked for many years in the mushroom growing industry, retiring in order to make the move to Iowa. She was a dog lover and had many different dogs during her time in Kennett Square. She often shared her memories of growing up out East, and it was always a treat to hear stories of growing up not only in a different place, but also a different time. Being true to her heritage she often said “I’m as Irish as Paddy’s pig”

Claire thoroughly enjoyed music and owned several Elvis albums. She was a devout Catholic. Claire was an active member of Immaculate Conception in Colfax, being a member of the Altar and Rosary Society. She was also a member of the Mingo Lunch Bunch and Mingo Women’s Club.

Claire is survived by her niece and nephews, Elizabeth (David) Birkenholtz, Mark (Deb) Baldwin, Tim (Jeanine) Baldwin, John (Lori) Baldwin, and many great nieces and nephews.

Preceding Claire in death were her parents, her sister Jeanette Baldwin, an infant sister Delores, and a niece, Claudia Baldwin.

Losing Claire will have a lasting impact as she was the oldest remaining relative, the last of her generation, and she will be greatly missed. The family would like to thank the staff at Newton Health Care Center and Suncrest Hospice.