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Celebrating the life of
Claire Kearney McMillan
February 28, 1936 - May 22, 2020
Claire Kearney McMillan, 84, passed away peacefully on Friday, May 22, 2020 at Spanish Oaks Retreat and Hospice where she had been a resident since August 2018.
Claire was born on February 28, 1936 in Savannah, Georgia to James Arthur Kearney and Adele Freeman Kearney. She is predeceased by her loving husband of 52 years, Thomas Richard McMillan, a daughter, Claire Marie McMillan and her brother, James Arthur Kearney II.
She attended Sacred Heart School, St Vincent’s Academy and graduated from Armstrong College in 1955. As a young woman, Claire started her career working for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. After marriage and children, she continued to work in several areas including helping her husband in his insurance business and as an office assistant for an oceanic conservation group. She also had the pleasure and honor of working with a dear true friend, Mr. Joseph Ebberwein, in the accounting department of his international shipping company. She also volunteered at the Social Apostolate of Savannah.
Claire was blessed in life by her faith in God, a large, loving family and many enduring and meaningful lifelong friendships. She loved travel and took many memorable family trips. Seeing Ireland with her husband Tom fulfilled a dream they both shared. Whether it was spending time at Tybee or sitting around the dining table after a lovingly prepared holiday meal, she was always happiest caring for her family, surrounded by their love and laughter, especially her eight grandchildren who gave her such joy.
Claire was dearly loved and will be greatly missed, especially by her children, who will always honor her memory by staying close, loving and supportive throughout their lives.
She is survived by her children, Karen Adele McLean (William), Katherine Ann McMillan, Thomas Richard McMillan II (Therese), Stephen Arthur McMillan (Lisa) and Patricia Elizabeth Komso (Albert). And grandchildren Caroline Speegle, Claire McMillan, Thomas McMillan, Katie McMillan, Grace McMillan, Sam McMillan, Ava Komso and Luka Komso.
Her family would like to thank their dear friend and faithful caregiver, Angel Allen, for the love, strength, dedication and support given to Claire and her entire family for so many years. And Beverly Polite who gave her loving care, comfort, sweet companionship and always made her smile. They would also like to express sincere gratitude to the management and staff of Spanish Oaks Retreat and Hospice for the compassionate care and attendance given Claire during her stay there.
The family will be holding a private graveside service at the Catholic Cemetery.
Condolence messages can be sent by visiting their guestbook at foxandweeks.com In lieu of flowers, memorials in Claire’s name may be made to Spanish Oaks Retreat, 8510 Whitfield Avenue, Savannah, GA., 31406.
Your mom was cute and fun and spoke her mind. She and your dad raise smart accomplished children who know how to have a good time! They provided you guys with a great foundation growing up in Ardsley Park playing at Daffin playing in the street and even walking to school.I know you will miss her! She left an awesome legacy! Much love, Lynn
- Lynn Brown, Savannah, Georgia
We are so sorry to hear of Claires passing. You all are in our thoughts and prayers. She was a very loving, kind person, and such a wonderful friend to Mom. May she rest in peace.
- David and Melissa McGinn, Beaufort, South Carolina
Katherine I'm so sorry to hear about your moms passing. My condolences and prayers.
- Susie C Russell, Savannah , Ga
My prayers and thoughts are with you all. God bless and much love to you all.
- Connie J McBride , Tybee Island, GA
So sorry to hear about the passing of your mom . She was one special woman and always had the biggest smile on her face! Your family is in my prayers. Love, Kitty Collins
- Kathleen Collins, Savannah , Georgia
Karen I’m so sorry to hear about your sweet Mom. Praying for you and your family. Holly
- Holly Lyons Whitfield , Lakeland , Florida
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Much love and prayers for comfort to you all.
- Nancy Manucy Lawson, Savannah, GA
A candle has been lit!
- Richard, Ann Lutz and Family, Savannah , GA
Our dear Aunt. Much beloved by all of us in the Downing family and all who knew her. Condolences to all of her children and grandchildren. Much love, Carol
- Carol Downing Blaisdell, Savannah, Georgia
KARE,Katherine(Katrina)Tommy,Stephen,Tricia I am so sorry to hear of your Mama's passing I have been thinking about her went by the house a few times but no answer, now I know she was at Spanish Oaks. I am praying for you all and know she with Mr. Mac and Claire and at peace. They are partying with Jimmy and JoJo and the gang. I am here if need ANYTHING. Love you all Always! Suzy Q
- Suzanne McLaughlin VonWaldner, Savannah, Georgia
Claire was such a nice person and wonderful aunt. We can't ever remember hearing an unkind or unsupportive word come from he. Our sympathies go out to all the children and their families.
- Cary and Carol Downing and John Downing, Savannah , Ga
Tommy and all the clan- so sorry to hear of your Mom's passing. Your Mom is a special lady and like a 2nd Mother to me (as if she needed another child) and always apprecaited how welcome she made us feel when coming to your home. God's peace and comfort to all. Take care.
- Lisa & Tommy Butler, Tybee Island, Ga
So sorry to hear of the passing of Claire. A wonderful sweet lady. I always enjoyed my trips into Savannah and was always special to stop in and visit Claire and Tom who would always make me welcome . The world was blessed to have her for a good long life and we will miss her. God Bless.
- George Weske , Memphis , tn
Tommy, I am sorry to hear of your mother's passing. Having lost my mother, I know how difficult this time is for you and your family. She will always live in your heart. Please express my condolences to the family and know that she is at peace with God.
- Jean Barry Hester
So many fond memories of Mrs McMillan growing up. So sorry for your loss. my thoughts and prayers are with tom and all the McMillan family.
- Dale Daly, Savannah, Georgia
It was a distinct privilege visiting your Mother and giving her Communion from St James Church. No matter what she was doing, as soon as I mentioned praying or Communion she smiled and said, “Oh, yes” and always said what a nice thing that was. Her lifelong faith was evident just as you said in the obituary. Deepest sympathies for your loss.
- Nancy H, Savannah , GA
Dear McMillan family, my heart goes out to you all. May your mother rest in peace and may you all be comforted in knowing that perpetual light is shining upon her. She must have been quite a lady to raise so many wonderful children with her beloved husband. I had the privilege and joy to teach next to Tom (his classroom was adjacent to mine) and his wit and support and intelligence was enjoyed by many at our school- that must have come from a close and loving family. sincerely, Margaret Beasley
- MArgaret Harty Beasley, Savannah, Georgia
I regret not keeping up with my cousin, but time tends to do that. I remember when her family lived on 31st Street and then on 36th across from what was then Richard Arnold Junior High School. I remember times at Tybee when she and her brother, Arthur, and the Freeman kids would visit. There were ten of us. As an adult, she looked just like her mother. She was a special person. May God bless her family. Herb Smith
- Herbert Smith, Greensboro, NC
Services under the direction of:
Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel
912-352-7200
- A Private Service Will Be Held