Margaret K. Clare

Margaret K. Clare, beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully. She was born on March 27, 1935, the daughter of Eugene and Helen Gilligan. Margaret grew up in Freeport alongside her siblings, Eugene Gilligan Jr. and Mary “Mimi.”

Margaret shared a devoted marriage with her beloved husband, Clifford C. “Cliff” Clare, who preceded her in death on September 22, 2014. Together they built a loving family and a life centered around faith, laughter, and time spent with those they cherished most.

She is survived by her loving children: Clifford Clare Jr. (Kathleen), John Clare (Patricia), Eileen Woodburn (Steven), and Thomas Clare (Carol), and James Clare (Marcie), predeceased by Paul Clare (Vicki). Margaret was a proud and devoted grandmother to John, Megan, Andrew, Emily, Christopher, Patrick, Kelly, Thomas, Travis, Alison, Kristen, Paul, Sarah, and Charlie, and a joyful great-grandmother to Jack and Jace.

Margaret’s life was centered on family. She was a proud mother of six, grandmother of fourteen, and great-grandmother of three, and she loved nothing more than bringing everyone together. Known for her warmth and hospitality, she enjoyed cooking and entertaining family and friends, often with a good glass of wine and plenty of laughter. She was fiercely protective of those she loved and always put family first.

In her younger years, Margaret was an avid swimmer and loved bowling with friends. She also enjoyed relaxing while watching golf—especially cheering on her favorite golfer, Tiger Woods. At home, she rarely missed an episode of Wheel of Fortune or Jeopardy!, two shows she loved to watch.

Margaret and her husband Cliff later retired to Cape Coral, Florida, where they enjoyed their days boating and spending time at the beach, soaking in the sunshine and the peaceful coastal life they loved so much.

Margaret will be remembered for her strong faith, her generous spirit, and the deep love she had for her family. Her legacy lives on in the many lives she touched and in the close-knit family she cherished above all else.

She will be deeply missed and forever loved.

Family will receive visitors Friday, April 10th  4:00 - 8:00 p.m. at Raynor & D'Andrea Funeral Home 245 Montauk Hwy. West Sayville. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated Saturday, April 11th 9:45 a.m. at St. Lawrence RC Church 240 W. Main Street Sayville. Interment to follow at Holy Rood Cemetery, 111 Old Country Rd. Westbury.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: Susan G. Komen for the Cure