Clare Eldredge
September 23, 1953 — February 14, 2021
Clare Eldredge, nee Jennings, passed away due to complications from Alzheimer’s Disease on February 14th, 2021, at the age of 67.Clare was born to Anna and Lyell Jennings on September 23rd, 1953 in Paris, Illinois. She married Brad on February 8th, 1975, and they enjoyed 46 years together. She is survived by her husband, Brad Eldredge, daughter Alexis, granddaughter Vivian Clare (1), sisters Liz and Annie, and brother Mike as well as many dear nieces, nephews, and in-laws.Clare received a Bachelor's Degree in Spanish from Eastern Illinois University and a Master’s in Early Childhood Education from the University of West Florida. She spent her career working in Early Childhood Education, dedicating herself to others. It was a natural fit for Clare who loved children and loved to play. She worked for programs such as Head Start, Even Start, Parents as Teachers (PAT), The Academic Development Institute, and The Ounce of Prevention Fund. While working for The Ounce of Prevention Fund, she was responsible for building a network and providing technical assistance to PAT programs across the state of Illinois. She served on the PAT National Board from 2008 to 2011. One of Clare’s career highlights came in 1991 when she helped to coordinate a visit to the Ferguson-Florissant PAT program from then First Lady Barbara Bush. More recently, she was honored to be a part of the host committee for the Parents as Teachers 35th Anniversary Jubilee.Clare valued her family greatly. She was one of seven children and made a point to stay close to her siblings as she and Brad moved around the country in the early years of their marriage. A counselor and a confidant to many, she had an ease about her that inspired confidence. Clare cared for all with genuine affection and concern, believing that we must “take care of people.”Clare enjoyed spending her free time traveling with her family and friends, grabbing a good meal, and relaxing by the pool. She was delighted to return to her grandfather’s hometown in Italy and meet her distant cousins. She also loved a trip to the beach and, of course, one of her last great joys was the arrival of her granddaughter, Vivian Clare.A visitation will be held on Friday, February 19th from 4:00 to 7:00PM at Baue Funeral Home located at 3950 West Clay Street, St. Charles, MO 63301. A funeral service will be held Saturday, February 20th at 9:30AM at the same location. Due to the pandemic, Baue requires masks and recommends social distancing with no hugs or handshakes. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Alzheimer’s Association, Parents as Teachers, or Crisis Nursery are encouraged. The funeral service will be livestreamed as an alternative for those who are not in attendance. Click this link to view.