Wednesday April 13, 2022.
Beloved wife for 48 years of Douglas Hale; loving mother of Teresa (John Carlson) and the late Douglas Hale; dear sister of Margaret “Peggy” (Stephen) England and the late Jack (late Shirley) D’Agostino, Richard (Mary Ann) D’Agostino and Ginny (Bob) Nagle; dear sister-in-law of Ann (the late Mike) Hawkins, Barb Paradowski, Tom Hale, Paul (Mary) Hale, Sue (Tom) Seite and the late Ed (Fran) Hale; dear aunt, cousin and friend.
Mary Clare was born on December 21, 1943 in St. Louis, Missouri, to John R. and Virginia D’Agostino. She attended Little Flower Catholic School in Richmond Heights and Xavier High School in St. Louis, and then furthered her studies at Mary Rogers College in New York and Fontbonne College in St. Louis. She married Douglas Hale on September 14, 1973, and she dedicated her entire life to serving her family, her friends, her parishes, and her communities. Her servant’s heart shone especially brightly throughout her careers, first with her service to the Maryknoll Sisters, then with the Cardinal Ritter Alverne, and finally through her more than 25 devoted years serving the Leadership Team and Congregation of the Franciscan Sisters of Mary. The St. Louis area will dearly miss her kindhearted spirit, her sharp wit, and her brilliant smile.
Services: Memorial service at KUTIS AFFTON Chapel 10151 Gravois, Saturday April 30, 1:00 PM.
Dear Doug,Teresa, John and other family members. I was so saddened to learn of Mary Clare’s death – however, also grateful that her entrance into her heavenly reward was an Easter blessing several days early. When I began my FSM leadership term in 2001 Mary Clare was so kind, understandable, patient with me in learning the ins and outs of using the computer – my first exposure to this technology. I’m sure there were times she wondered “will she ever remember how to do this”! This was only one of many new learnings that she facilitated for me and encouraged me. She was full of fun and loved being apart of all the activities with the sisters at our former Motherhouse. After her retirement we kept in touch with phone calls, emails, note cards etc. I visited her and Doug at Chardin Way; we enjoyed breakfasts at Panera or lunches at Bob’s Burgers both of these places on Gravois Ave and the Panera’s in the little shopping center close to the former St. Anthony’s. I regret that we did not connect for her b’day this past December. Her card returned to me and I wasn’t sure how to find out just where she and Doug might have moved. She will have a place in my prayerful remembrances for a long time to come. May she rest in peace and be at home with her son, her parents and other family members who meant so much to her.
May your sorrow be lessened knowing the deep love she had for each of you. Sr. Judy
Mary Clare was indeed a woman with a kindhearted spirit. I’m so glad to have known her through the FSM. My condolences to her loving family.
My deepest condolences. I will always remember Mary Clare for her smile, wit, kindness and ability to remember a phone number (forever) after the first time she heard it. We knew each other at Maryknoll and Mary Rogers College.