Claire Marie Becker

Claire Marie Becker, aged 90, of East Grand Rapids, Michigan died Monday, September 4, 2006 at her daughter's home in Wildwood, Missouri. She was born January 17, 1916 in St. Louis, a daughter of John Henry and Mary Ann Tracey Gersman. She was married in 1940 to Daniel Edward Becker, who preceded her in death in March 1982. Claire was a homemaker, and had sung in the Muny and Metropolitan Operas. She attended Most Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Eureka, Missouri, and St. Stephen Catholic Church in East Grand Rapids, Michigan, and was a member of the Ladies' Sodality. Survivors include four children, Claire M. Vogt and husband, Wm. Chris of Wildwcod, Missouri; Miriam A. Troost of Grand Rapids, Michigan; John H. Becker of East Grand Rapids, Michigan; Charles T. Becker of Glendale, Arizona; eight grandchildren, Christopher, Robert, Timothy and John Vogt; Charles Troost; Tracey Troost Pietrowski; Christina Kenney McGuire; Lori Kenney Woodward; seven great-grandchildren; nephews, Clifford Amsler, James Gersman, Terry Gersman and nieces, Mary Jane Amsler Schulte and Ann Gersman Marscella. She was preceded in death by a daughter, Kathryn B. Kenney in 1984; a son, Daniel E. Becker in 1995; a sister, Mary lane Amsler; and a brother, Adrian Gersman. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 AM Thursday, September 7, 2006 at Most Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Eureka, with Fr. Alex Anderson officiating. Interment will be held at 11 AM Saturday, September 9, 2006 in Graceland Cemetery in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Memorial donations are suggested to St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital. Arrangements are under the direction of Cunningham-Millard-Cantriel Funeral Home, 108 N. Central Ave., Eureka, Missouri, (636) 938-3000.