Fay Ann DeClaire

Fay Ann (Martin) De Claire, age 85 of Higgins Lake and St. Clair Shores, Michigan, passed away peacefully at her home on August 1, 2025, surrounded by the love of her family. Fay was born on August 16, 1939, in Mt Clemens, Michigan, to the late Henry Clarence and Victoria (Boudreau) Martin. She graduated from East Detroit High School in 1957 and began her career in the Statistics Department at Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Michigan. On July 9, 1960, Fay married the love of her life, Robert William De Claire, at St. Basil Catholic Church in East Detroit. They established their home in St. Clair Shores and raised their three children there. During this time Fay was a volunteer at her children’s school, Bon Secours Hospital and served as a Cub Scout Den Mother. She loved reading, music, gardening and getting together with friends for knitting and card clubs. They enjoyed boating on Lake St. Clair, camping & vacationing in the UP Michigan. Fay worked at Stat Medical Company and later served as the Bookkeeper for Dock Side Canvas Company until retiring in 1997. She was a member of the American Business Women’s Association (ABWA) and continued her involvement in various organizations after retiring. She enjoyed being part of the Red Hat Society, The Extension Group, and the St. Michael’s Council of Catholic Women (CCW). Fay and Bob also gave generously of their time through many years of volunteer service with St. Vincent de Paul of Roscommon and their local Dock Association. Fay was a passionate Genealogist and a member of the Roscommon County Genealogical Society. She meticulously documented her family history and traveled to explore her heritage. Fay and Bob enjoyed their retirement boating on Higgins Lake, traveling especially to Florida in the Winter and spending time with family and friends. Fay’s greatest joy in life was her family – especially her grandchildren. Fay loved to have her family spend time at their home at Higgins Lake. She enjoyed cooking amazing meals for her family, planning day trips exploring upper Michigan and spending the day on their boat. Fay will be remembered as a loving and devoted Wife, Mother, Grandmother, and Friend. Fay is survived by her Children; Susan (Steven) Vansteel, William (Brenda) De Claire, Michelle (James) Skoney. Grandchildren; Victoria Skoney, Michael Skoney, Marissa Skoney. Step Grandchildren; Clay Vansteel, Russell (Caitlin) Vansteel. Step Great Grandchildren; Reagan and Rylee Vansteel. Sister-in-law and Brother-in-law Judy and Paul Rupersburg, Brother-in-law Danny Tinnette. And several Nieces and Nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband; Robert, parents; Sister Dolores Gallagher; Brother-in-law Edward Gallagher; Sister-in-law Janet Tinnette and Nephew Steven Tinnette. Visitation for Fay will be on Tuesday, Aug. 5, 2025 from 3-7 pm at the Wasik Funeral Home, Gendernalik Chapel 35259 Twenty Three Mile Rd. in New Baltimore. Instate Wednesday from 9:30 am until 10 am Funeral Mass at St. Isidore Catholic Church 18201 Romeo Plank Rd in Macomb Twp. Interment Resurrection Cemetery.

Fay Ann DeClaire

August 16, 1939 - August 1, 2025