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Irene Marie LaClair
1939-2023
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- Irene Marie LaClair, 84, passed away surrounded by family Nov. 4, 2023 in Jacksonville, Fla.
She was born April 6, 1939 in Maple Heights, Ohio, to Tom Rutledge and Maxine Rutledge (Goforth) also known as Ruth Clark. She is survived by her sister Dianne Fisher (Rutledge) who was always treated as Irene's twin despite their 18 months apart in birth.
Her family smiles at her childhood love of Skate Dancing, listening to Sunday morning radio plays with Fairytale Theatre, and later skipping to the movie theatre with her sister. She married James H. LaClair Nov. 24, 1959 and raised three children in Wellsville, Ohio. In 1998 the couple moved to Middleburg, Fla., to be closer to their children and grandchildren. There, Irene was a skilled and thoughtful nurse at the Life Care Center of Orange Park. She was the immediate caregiver of her mother and husband while always enjoying the Florida sun with friends and loved ones.
She is preceded in death by her husband James H. LaClair of Jacksonville, Fla., mother Ruth Clark of Jacksonville, Fla., and daughter Patricia M. LaClair of Middleburg, Fla.
Irene is survived by her son James LaClair of West Palm Beach, Fla.; daughter Kelly (Gary) Daniels of Jacksonville, Fla.; five grandchildren, James (Tricia) LaClair of West Palm Beach, Fla., Amber, Ashley and Abagail Daniels of Jacksonville, Fla., and Julie LaClair of Wellsville, Ohio; and six great-grandchildren.
Although gone, Irene will always be known as grandma to her grandchildren, a loving mother to her children, and a great influence of patience and kindness to anyone who came in contact with her. We'll often think of her sparkling eyes, endless laughter, and constant pride in the life she lived.
11/13/23