Clare Jane Koester

Click on the tribute wall above to view Clare's video tribute. Clare Jane Koester (Pietrangelo) age 88, of Portage and formerly of Grosse Ile passed away peacefully Wednesday December 25, 2019. Clare is survived by her loving children, William Charles “Bill”, Ann Phyllis and Gerardo Rincon, her grandchildren Alicia (Kyle) Wright and Michael (Jennifer) Rincon, and great grandchildren Olivia Jane Wright and Luke Patrick Wright, her brother James Piet as well as many loving family and friends. Clare is preceded in death by her loving husband of 63 years, Arthur F. Koester and her nephew Dr. Michael Piet as well as other dear family and friends. Clare was born in Trenton Michigan on June 22, 1931 to Sam and Anna Pietrangelo. She graduated from Saint Patrick High School in 1949 and went on to receive a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from Marygrove College in 1954. Clare’s real passions were books, music, history and community service. Clare was the school librarian at Saint Joseph Catholic School in Trenton, Michigan from 1974 to 1993. She sang for over 30 years with the Sweet Adeline International (ladies’ barbershop) Downriver and Monroe choruses. Clare was very involved with the Sweet Adeline, traveling for international competitions and as an integral part for their annual shows. Clare held multiple positions on the Grosse Ile Historical Society and enjoyed giving historical tours of the island. Clare combined her love for books and history with her contribution to a book on Grosse Ile History by the Grosse Ile Historical Society. Clare was also involved in and recognized for her community service. She was a past president of Grosse Ile Kiwanis, mentored the Key Club, was a Grosse Ile Rotary Citizen of the Year, Rotary Foundation Paul Harris Fellow and Kiwanian of the Year. Clare left Grosse Ile several years ago but continued her involvement in books and community service. Clare headed the library committee at StoryPoint of Portage, was the representative for her wing on the Resident Council and was the birthday card coordinator, assuring every resident received a card signed by all their friends and neighbors. Visitation will be held at The Martenson Family of Funeral Homes-Trenton Chapel on Sunday 12/29/2019 from 4pm to 8 pm. The funeral mass will be held at Sacred Heart Catholic Church on Monday, December 30, 2019 at 11 am. Clare will be in state prior to mass from 10:30 to 11:00. In lieu of flower, memorial donations may be given to Hospice Care of Southwest Michigan 222 North Kalamazoo Mall, Suite 100, Kalamazoo, MI 49007.