Claire Eyva Schneck

Mrs. Claire Eyva Schneck, age 90, of Rogers, Ark., formerly of Opa‐locka, Fla., passed into Our Lord's loving arms on Friday, Sept. 18, 2015 at her home surrounded by her family. Claire was born Nov. 3, 1924 in North Providence, R.I., daughter to Gaetano and Angelina (Massanese) Giammarco. Claire was the youngest and last survivor of nine siblings. Claire met the love of her life, Don O. Schneck, a handsome Navy man, at a Chinese restaurant on New Year's Eve. They married on Sept. 3, 1945. Don preceded her in death in 2007. Their lives were busy as they traveled the United States with Don's Naval assignments. Mom used to say in amazement how, here she was a little waif, who was whisked away on a wonderful life adventure. "God was so good to her" she told us again and again. Life got really exciting when their twins were born and almost a year later another daughter was born. Mom was a wonderful, loving mother and homemaker. She moved her little family eight times during their Naval career. When Dad retired in 1967 they moved back to Opa‐locka, Fla. Mom assisted Dad in the office at their business, Opa‐locka Realty, for 40 years. She enjoyed gardening, walking beaches and just living her life with Dad. When Dad's health changed, they relocated to their newly refurbished home in Rogers, Ark. to be closer to some of their family. The climate was not quite that of Florida, but they liked living in Rogers. Mom walked at the Wellness Center in Rogers, with her walking buddies, every Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Those friendly, loving ladies often couldn't keep up with her as she walked her two miles. She was in excellent health up until this past June when things started to change. Her brief illness was faced with courage and deep faith. She could not understand why she didn't have any energy and was frustrated that she rested so much‐ it just wasn't her nature. Claire was preceded in death by her husband, her parents, six brothers and two sisters. Claire is survived by her children, Claire (Stephen) Letourneaux of Brillion, Wisc., Don J (Cody) Schneck and Sandie McNeil of Rogers, Ark.; seven grandchildren; seven step‐grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; 12 step‐great-grandchildren; and two step‐great-great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, two sisters‐in–law and friends. We, her children, were blessed with God's gift of a perfect Mother. We love you Mama Mia. A Mother holds her children's hands for a while but their hearts forever. Rest in eternal peace with Dad. In lieu of flowers, Mom desires that memorials be made to the Brillion Optimist Splash Pad project. Thank you. Visitation will be at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church, 1416 West Poplar Street, Rogers, Ark. on Wednesday, Sept. 23, 2015 (the first day of Mom's favorite season, Autumn), from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Mass of Christian burial will begin at 11 a.m. Msgr. David LeSieur will be celebrant, assisted by Claire's son‐in‐ law, Deacon Stephen Letourneaux. Internment with her husband, will be at 12:30 p.m., Fayetteville National Cemetery on Thursday, Sept. 24, 2015. The family wishes to thank the wonderful, caring staff of Circle of Life Hospice for their invaluable help and love during this final journey with our Mom. Arrangements by Benton County Memorial Park Funeral Home, Rogers, Ark. Online guest book: www.bentoncountymemorialpark.com.