Cora May Claypool

Cora May Claypool of Woodstock, IL was promoted to glory on April 11, 2022. Formally Cora May Breen was born in Chicago, IL on August 5, 1934 as the daughter of Tom and Ruth Breen. She was raised in Chicago, graduated from Cornell College of Mt. Vernon, IA in 1956 and, in that same year, married James George Claypool, DDS for 65 years. Together, they lived in St. Louis, MO, San Antonio, TX and settled in Crystal Lake, IL for 35 years.

Cora’s passion for teaching shined collectively for 17 years, beautifully touching the lives of her precious second graders, first in Missouri and then in Crystal Lake West Elementary.

Retiring in beautiful Watersmeet, MI, Cora enjoyed playing Bridge, participating in the Northwoods Book Club, communing with her P.E.O. sisters and her beloved church members.

Cora and Jim’s final days of retirement were spent at Hearthstone Communities in Woodstock, IL where they were able to reunite with longtime friends and former teachers from Crystal Lake.  Cora’s family would like to give a special thanks to JourneyCare for making her final days so comfortable.

Of all of Cora’s past journeys, her walk with Christ was her most treasured. It began as an infant with The Salvation Army of which her family had been members for over 100 years. It continued at First Methodist Church (now First Church), St. Peter & Paul’s Church, Ely Memorial Church in Land O’Lakes, WI and came full circle back to First Church.

Second to her devotion to Christ, was her love of family. She would always say, “I don’t know how I could love you more.” She will be so missed.

Cora is survived by her husband Jim, daughter Jill, son Tom (wife Joan) who blessed her with four wonderful grandchildren, Katie (husband Bill Musick), Andrew, Kim and Matt. Grace Emily Musick, her great grand baby arrived just in time to bring her 16 months of pure joy! She is also survived by her dear friends and extended family.

She was preceded in death by her parents; two brothers, Roger and Chuck; and her great grandson, Ronald Thomas Musick.

A memorial celebration of Cora’s life will take place on Saturday, May 14, 2022 at 11 AM at First Church of Crystal Lake, 236 W Crystal Lake Ave, Crystal Lake, IL 60014. A dessert reception will immediately follow the service from 12 PM until 2 PM at Wesley Hall at the church. Livestream link for church service https://youtu.be/aO-RUzanITc

She has requested memorials only to either First Church of Crystal Lake or The Salvation Army, 290 West Crystal Lake Avenue, Crystal Lake, 60014, Donate Online