Clara Marie Kodan

Clara Marie (Quigley) Kodan, age 86, of Hastings, Michigan, passed away October 17, 2021.  Clara was born on May 7, 1935, the daughter of John and Loretta (Schweihofer) Quigley.  On August 13, 1955, Clara married Henry E. Kodan, and they enjoyed 45 years together until his passing.

Clara was a full-time homemaker and wonderful mother.  For her second career, she worked at the Grosse Pointe Public Library, where she was known for her "gentle humor and rapport with patrons."

Clara was a member of Our Lady Star of the Sea Ladies Alter Society for over 40 years.  She volunteered for Hospice of Henry Ford and Bi-County Hospice. She was Volunteer of the Year in 2000 for her work on Butterfly Bouquet Project.  After moving to Hastings in 2004, she volunteered for Barry County Commission on Aging and in the St. Rose of Lima Parish Office.

Clara enjoyed camping with her family and later traveling around the world with her husband.  Her travels included Hawaii, Europe and China.  After moving to Hastings, she was an avid gardener and frequent walker in the Pennock Village neighborhood.  Clara became known as the neighbor you left your spare key with, asked to feed the cat or water your tomatoes while you were away.  Clara was happiest when she was helping someone or visiting with her cherished friends.

Clara is preceded in death by her husband Henry E. Kodan, daughter Susan L. Kodan, parents John and Loretta (Schweihofer) Quigley, sister Loretta Lucier, Margaret Humenay, and brother John "Jack" (Anita) Quigley.

She is survived by her daughters Gerilyn (Robert) Dillon, Lori Kodan; son Henry "Hank" (Katherine) Kodan; grandchildren Daniel (Greta) Kodan, Claire (Robert) Scruggs, Danielle, Kelly, Jamie and Amber Dillon, Kayla Kodan; great-grandchildren Quinn and Pierce Kodan, and Robert "Trey" Scruggs.

Visitation will be Friday, November 12, 2021 at 10:00 AM at Our Lady Star of the Sea Catholic Church, 467 Fairford Road, Grosse Pointe Woods, MI 48236 with Funeral Mass at 11:00 AM.  The Mass will be livestreamed and archived at https://www.olsos.org/posts/funeral-mass. The livestream will begin approximately 15 minutes before the Mass begins.  Private interment will take place following the Mass.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Interim Healthcare and Hospice of West Michigan, 1971 E Beltline Ave NE # 216, Grand Rapids, MI 49525 or a Hospice Organization of your choice.  Arrangements by Girrbach Funeral Home, to leave an online condolence visit www.girrbachfuneralhome.net .