Clair A. Mahinske

Age 60, of Northville, formerly of Howell, went home to be with the Lord, May 11, 2014. She was born February 19, 1954 in Detroit, Michigan; daughter of Paul R. and Virginia I. (nee Kretschmer) Mahinske. Clair graduated from Howell High School in 1972. She received a Bachelor Degree from Western Michigan University and later a Master Degree in Education. She was also a Certified Nursing Assistant and had 77 hours toward her Nursing Degree. She worked as a teacher for public and private schools, and also worked in the home health care field. Clair loved the Lord deeply, and was a member of Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church in Northville. She embraced her Catholic Faith by sharing it with those around her and adding them to her "forever and for always rosary prayer list of the heart." Clair volunteered with the Dominican Sisters in Farmington Hills. Clair was very caring and generous. She had a tremendous sense of humor and a very outgoing personality; she had a special way of making people feel loved. Clair adored her nephew, Joseph and cherished the time they spent together. She was very active and an avid runner, participating in many marathons and races, often winning for her age group. Clair was very artistic; she enjoyed creative writing, drawing, painting with watercolors, and even dabbled in jewelry making. She also enjoyed canoeing, hiking, reading, listening to music, and watching old movies. She also loved cats, horses, and nature. Clair is survived by her beloved twin sister, Paula Mahinske; her nephew, Joseph H. Shaw; her brother-in-law, Peter H. Shaw; her uncle, John (Irene) Mahinske; and many cousins, godparents, and friends. She was preceded in death by her father, Judge Paul R. Mahinske; her mother, Virginia Irene Mahinske; and her sister, Mary Jo Mahinske-Shaw. A funeral mass will be celebrated Friday, May 16, 2014 at 11:00 a.m., with a time of gathering beginning at 10:00 a.m., at Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church, 133 Orchard Drive, Northville. In lieu of flowers contributions to American Heart Association, 3816 Paysphere Circle, Chicago, IL 60674 or Monastery of the Blessed Sacrament, 29575 Middlebelt Road, Farmington Hills, MI 48334 would be appreciated.