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Claire Ann Mock

Claire Ann Mock transitioned peacefully to her heavenly home at 94 years of age on November 3, 2023 after a
very brief illness. Although her illness was brief, she was able to connect with so many loved ones before her
passing. She was active and healthy throughout her life, even in her later years. Claire joined family and
friends for lunch often and had just celebrated her 94th birthday just a few weeks before she passed. She lived
life her way, surrounded by those who most loved her.

Claire was born in Milwaukee, WI to Harry and Helen Landsberg (Betler) on October 17, 1929. She was an only
child. Her parents divorced when Claire was only 8 years old and although being a single parent was unusual at
that time, Helen was a wonderful mother, hard-working and kind as well as beautiful.
As a child Claire was already in the 2nd grade at only 5 years of age. She attended nine different grade schools
as she and her mother moved quite a bit. Claire was in a play at the YMCA – ‘Goldilocks and the Three Bears’ –
she was the smallest bear and she earned the nickname ‘Teddy’ as a result. Claire loved Shirley Temple movies
throughout her childhood.

In her teen years Claire spent all of her free time at the roller-skating rink where she perfected her dance
moves and became one of the best skaters there! In high school Claire excelled at shorthand and typing. She
attended college for bookkeeping and was naturally adept at business.

Claire met the love of her life, Bernie Mock, Sr. who had served in the U.S. Navy. They were married by a
Justice of the Peace after only 3 months on June 28, 1949 in Shreveport, LA near her mother’s home. Claire
and Bernie went on to marry each other two more times, the second time in Eau Claire, WI and the third time
in 1952 when they were married by a priest in the Catholic Church.

While living in Milwaukee Claire and Bernie started their family. They were blessed with three boys and a girl
all within two years! She loved to tell the many stories of what it was like to have four little ones in diapers at
the same time.

In 1955 Bernie and Claire moved to Tarpon Springs, FL to be closer to Bernie’s parents. In 1957 Claire gave
birth to their last child, Therese. When Claire left to go to the hospital all of the siblings begged her not to
come home with another boy. All were delighted to have a new little baby sister.

A year later the growing Mock Family moved to Largo, FL where they resided for over 30 years. After having
moved so often as a child, Claire wanted very much for her children to all attend the same school. And they
did!

Claire wanted to help with household expenses so she used her natural and learned business skills to sell
Tupperware, Toy Shopper, Beeline Fashions, and Avon cosmetics. Later she worked at Seminole Pharmacy,
Eckerd Drugs, Sears Department store at Tyrone Mall, and Shaklee Products. Claire also worked as a secretary
for Bob Spoto at his restaurants. Eventually she and Bernie managed and opened the Oreck Store in
Clearwater. After some years, Bernie and Claire moved out of the hustle and bustle of Pinellas County to
Sebring, FL where they opened their own business, B & C Vacs. They truly were best friends and life partners in
everything they did.

When Bernie’s health declined following a stroke in 2000, Claire and Bernie returned to Pinellas County to be
near family and healthcare resources. For eight years Claire was by Bernie’s side. She was a devoted caregiver
and friend always doing whatever she could to make him comfortable. Bernie passed away in 2008 after 59
years together.

Following losing her husband Claire kept busy with bingo, bowling, and golf Wii games, digital puzzles on her
iPad, daily Facebook puzzle posts and playing Sequence with her friends. She was a lotto scratch-off fan and
she’d frequently send them in a greeting card to friends and family. She loved hearing when someone won
from one of her ‘gifts.’ Claire was also well-known for her hand crocheted ‘Scrubbies’ – she loved making them
and giving them to friends, family, people who helped her, and anyone she wanted to bless with these
amazingly useful Scrubbies by Claire.

She leaves behind her son Bernie Mock, Jr and his wife Sherry, son Bob Mock and his wife Yang, daughter
Sharon Davids and her life partner Bill, and daughter Terry Banning and her husband Marc. Claire also leaves
her legacy of love with 12 grandchildren, 18 great grandchildren and 7 great-great grandchildren. She was
preceded in death by her husband Bernard J. Mock, Sr in 2008 and her son Richard A. Mock in 2021.

Claire will be buried next to her beloved husband Bernie at Bay Pines National Cemetery (Plot J 190) on
Friday, December 8, 2023 at 11:00 AM. A service and Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday December 9th
from 11AM to 1PM at First Presbyterian Church 455 Scotland Street Dunedin FL 34698.

Please come and share stories of our beloved mother. And if you’re inclined, please wear her favorite colors of
purple and blue.

In lieu of flowers, for those wishing to donate in Claire’s honor, please consider one of the following:
First Presbyterian Church of Dunedin 455 Scotland Street Dunedin, FL 34698
Habitat for Humanity of Pinellas and West Pasco 14010 Roosevelt Boulevard #704 Clearwater, FL 33762

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