Christine Celia McClure, 71, died on Monday, October 30, 2017 at home with her loving family by her side.
She was born July 12, 1946, to William T. and Harriet (Wigdahl) Hoffman in Minneapolis. She graduated from Richfield Sr. High School in 1964, and in 1967 received her R.N. degree from Methodist Hospital in St. Louis Park. During nurse’s training, she met John McClure, and they were married in 1967.
They moved to Cook County in 1970—living in Schroeder for a year, and then in Hovland until 1989 when they moved to Grand Marais. While living in Hovland she and John joined Trinity Lutheran Church—Chris’s faith in Christ sustained her throughout life.
Caring for others was a life commitment for Chris. Her first R.N. position was at Mercy Hospital in the Twin Cities. After moving to Cook County, she provided private duty nursing, then worked at the Cook County North Shore Hospital, and served as a Cook County school nurse and a Public Health nurse. She also worked as a massage therapist, personal trainer, and was certified as a Life Style Educator, which included teaching exercises at the Senior Center and promoting healthy diet and exercises to all.
Chris’s hobbies and interests were extensive. She loved gardening and landscaping, cooking, interior decorating, sewing, knitting, entertaining friends, and traveling with family and friends. Chris took up dancing and was in Renee Moe’s dance group for 10 years, then discovered country line dance which she enjoyed and taught. She loved physical activity and sports: hiking, biking, swimming, rollerblading, skiing, and recently added pickleball at the Y to her list of fun exercises. She was a dedicated member of the Lioness Club for many years.
For many years Chris enjoyed time at their cabin in Canada. As part of her faith life, she taught “Release Time” classes and worked with youth, including leading a youth trip to Isle Royale.
Chris was preceded in death by her parents William and Harriet.
She is survived by her husband John, son Andy (Amy), daughter Megan, granddaughters Breanna and Nadine, step grandsons Dallas and Dayton, great- granddaughters Zoey and Emerson, sisters Merrilyn and Rita, and an ever-spreading multitude of dear friends.
Chris, who recently said that she wants everyone to know God loves them, requested her burial be in a “simple pine box” coffin. John and family are glad to be able to fulfill her wish. The interment was at Trinity Lutheran Cemetery in Hovland on Wednesday, November 1 at 11 a.m. with snacks at Trinity Lutheran Church afterward.
A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be held at Trinity Lutheran in Hovland on Saturday, November 18 at 11 a.m. with lunch to follow.
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