Claire R. Neal, 88, of Owensboro, passed away peacefully on Aug. 9, 2018. She died in her home surrounded by her loving family. She was born Leila Claire Rowe, Aug. 26, 1929, in Jersey City, New Jersey. She was raised in Radburn, New Jersey by her late parents, Frances Budd Rowe and John William Rowe. She attended school in Radburn and later studied in New York City where she worked as the statistician for the Chief Economist of the Morgan Guarantee Bank. Claire was married to Sidney Arnold Neal of Owensboro, Kentucky, who was a practicing Attorney at Law, until his death on Sept. 18, 1987.
Claire was a civic leader. She was the Past President of the Owensboro Symphony Orchestra, Washington (Sutton) School PTA, Junior League of Owensboro, and the Owensboro Museum of Fine Art. She was a Girl Scout Leader. She originated the idea for the outdoor movie screen at the RiverPark Center.
One of Claire’s early missions was to assist with fundraising in the community to make an impact on changing the housing conditions throughout Daviess County. This theme of housing resurfaced when the December 26, 2004 tsunami hit 14 Asian countries. She launched a New Year’s Eve fundraiser in her home, placing an ad in the paper to extend an invitation to the whole town. The people of Owensboro generously responded and raised $14,000 for Habitat for Humanity International. The story of the Kentucky widow and the people of Owensboro made the local, state, and several national TV news outlets and NPR.
Claire lived an active life. She enjoyed playing tennis with her beloved tennis group. She was a serious ballet student in New York, a skier, an ice skater, an aerobics instructor, and a lifeguard in her late 40s. At age 73, she took a bike trip through Holland where she biked over 30 miles every day. She was taking body flow classes until just a few months ago.
Claire was a free spirit. She has traveled to 23 countries including Argentina, Bolivia, Peru, Haiti, and Thailand. She had compassion for people who had less means for basic needs. Claire had an innate streak of joy and was not bound by convention. Claire requested that, if they would like to, those attending the visitation or funeral wear something cheerful and joyful.
While her civic accomplishments were many, Claire would tell you that her most cherished accomplishment was raising her five children whom she adored.
She is survived by Augusta Neal of Miami, Florida, Sid Neal (Pam Denny) of Santa Barbara, California, Ted Neal of Minden, Nevada, Erich (Jane) Neal of Doylestown, Pennsylvania, Tony Neal of Roanoke, Virginia, and ten grandchildren.
Services will be held at 12 noon on Friday, August 17, 2018, at St. Stephen Cathedral, with Father Jerry Riney officiating. Burial will follow in Resurrection Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Thursday, August 16 from 4:30 to 7 p.m. Prayers will be said at 7 p.m. at Haley McGinnis Funeral Home & Crematory.