Clare Purnell

Clare Purnell was called home into the loving arms of her Lord on Wednesday, June 27, 2018. She was born in Racine on February 20, 1919 to Thomas and Cora Dykstra, 1st generation from Holland. Clare, affectionately known as "Toots" to her family, was the oldest of 10 children and worked hard to help care for her 9 siblings. She lived through the Great Depression and survived many hardships with the help of her strong religious upbringing as a member of the Gospel Tabernacle. She graduated from Washington Park High School in Racine in 1939 where she earned varsity letters in basketball, volleyball and field hockey. She was a driver for the Red Cross USO during W.W. II. She worked as a model in Chicago and worked at United Airlines where she was voted Miss United Airlines. She met and married her husband, James Purnell, in Chicago and had 3 children whom she was devoted to. She lived in the Chicago area for over 30 years and after her husband passed away she moved to Florida where she enjoyed many happy times and made many friends. She worked as a home health nurse for over 20 years before returning to Wisconsin in 2000. Clare enjoyed her family, traveling, cooking, sewing and gardening. She always put family and faith first. She is survived by her children Debrah (Paul) Gibertini, Patricia Purnell, Jeffrey (Martha) Purnell, 6 grandchildren, 5 great-grandchildren, 2 brothers and many nieces and nephews. She was a special lady and will be forever loved and missed. A Visitation for Clare will be held on Monday, July 9, 2018 at Steinke-Lazarczyk Funeral Home (515 Center Street, Lake Geneva) from 10 to 11a.m. with a service at 11a.m. Interment will be at the Busseyville Cemetery in Busseyville, WI. Steinke-Lazarczyk Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Lake Geneva, WI is proudly serving the family of Clare Purnell. Visitation Monday, July 9th, 2018 10:00am - 11:00amService Information Monday, July 9th, 2018 11:00am