Claire Torres Ingalls

Claire Torres Ingalls was born February 20, 1962 in Morgan City, LA to Donald and Pat Torres (think: the Waltons).  She passed away February 13, 2017 at the age of 54.  After graduating from McNeese State University in Lake Charles, LA, she worked as an Ultrasound and X-Ray Technician at West Calcasieu Cameron Hospital until the warrants started piling up, and she was forced to leave town.  As a 10-year resident of Pearland, TX, she served as the reigning Ultrasound Princess for Houston Methodist Hospital with the best coworkers anyone could ask for. She was first and foremost a caretaker who never made friends, only collected new family members.

She was a wine-loving fairy godmother, hero to all, villain to none, carpenter, patient advocate, slayer of dragons, motorcycle momma, lover of animals, and everyone’s rock.  She loved to improvise silly songs (like the time she dressed up as a candy cane singing “Lick Me” to the tune of “Memories” from Cats).  She built a 6 ft tall paper mache T-Rex for a school fair just because. She completed a Warrior Dash while waiting for the okay to have knee surgery.  Starting new projects was a passion, finishing them an afterthought.  Partying with her siblings in New Orleans was her favorite yearly tradition (obligatory “Who dat?”).  She loved movies, being a personal Ms. Fix-it, and making amazing étouffée.  Her specialty was a perfectly (in)appropriately timed joke.

Claire leaves behind her daughter, Sam who has big (metaphorically speaking) shoes to fill.  Annette (husband Donnie), Lisa, Donald (wife Carla), and Fred (wife Rachel) now face the difficult task of picking a new favorite sibling.  She found a best friend and partner-in-crime in Laura Zeisig.  Nieces and nephews Becca, Brad, Katie, Sarah, Sydney, Symone, Thomas, and Alexis kept her hip with the times.  Great-nephews Peyton, Ethan, and Eli will carry on her antics.  Her grand-kitties Racecar and Thundercat and Best Pup Daisy will miss her cuddles.  Cali and Kitty will be happy to have someone to shed all over again.

Unfortunately, 20th Century Fox wasn’t too keen on recasting for Weekend at Bernie’s III, so there will be a memorial service beginning at 10:00am on Saturday, February 18, 2017 in the chapel of Crowder Funeral Home, 2422 Broadway Pearland, TX 77581.

Her absence leaves a void so dense, the resulting blackhole might actually wipe out the rest of us.  Until then, please make a memorial donation to a local charity of your choice in the spirit of all things Claire.

16 comments

  1. This obituary definitely suits you. Words cannot express the emptiness I feel and the void now in my life. I thank you for dressing up with and wearing props any chance we could. I thank you for indulging me with the pub crawl idea, sharing texts while watching the Bachelor/ette (shhh our secret), telling me to be grateful and listening to me when I was in a dark place 2 years ago, showing me how to sneak in wine, getting stopped by the cops and telling me not to say a word and the wonderful pool parties. I will have to go see Donny and Marie without you and that makes me beyond sad. The most thing I am thankful for was when 5 years ago you befriended this Yankee and accepted me for exactly who I am. I love and miss you, my Claire Bear and you will be forever in my heart.

    Nancy
  2. RIP Claire. You are greatly missed. I’ll never forget your sweet smile.

    Pat Cruz
  3. I’m so very sorry for y’all loss. Prayers for the family.

    Valerie Donahoe fontenot
  4. My sincere condolences to you, Donald, and your family for the loss of Claire. Praying for peace for all of you.

    Nancy Pendas
  5. Perfect remembrance of the friend I will never forget. Kudos for keeping it the way Claire would want it.

    Cindy Maraist Gioe
  6. Deepest sympathy. 🙏

    Addie DeHart Adams
  7. I am so thankful for having you in my life… What an incredible gift you were to me! Our conversations… Our brainstorming sessions… I cherished your perspective on ‘things”… You were very wise, and so unselfish!!!
    You were an incredible friend, one that will always be a part of me!

    I do miss you dearly.
    Robert Collins

    Robert Collins
  8. I never heard her say one bad word about anyone, never heard anyone say a bad word against her. She never failed to say hello if she seen you. She always tried to help. She was always caring and interested in your daily life. If she knew you were hurting physically or emotionally she would try to help. I don’t think I could ever live up to that example. I will dearly miss her. Her family should be proud. I am honored and proud to have been her friend and to have known her.

    Harold Smith
  9. Such a wonderful, silly, beautiful, loving individual. Your smile, humor, & hugs will truly be missed by all. I will be celebrating on Monday for our birthday. RIP Claire. 🎂🍾😚💕❣❤

    Laura Trevino
  10. So sorry for your loss may God give you strength.

    Marty Lassiter
  11. I had the pleasure to work with Claire at West Cal Cam. She was so good to me, she was just a real person who carded. Claire gave me my first hand saw!!!! I still have it and use it too. She would tell me how proud of Sam she was. I will always have happy memories of her and will smile when I think of her. May God put his hand on the family and comfort as only he can.

    Latayne Pousson

    Latayne Pousson
  12. You will be missed. My condolences to the family.

    Cortney Cooper
  13. Deepest sympathies from her Bette Midler impersonator!

    Barbara Ackles
  14. RIP My childhood friend. You were the best friend a girl could have.

    Sherrie Breaux
  15. I was blessed to meet you and her to becomw friends. You were always encouraging and I will truly miss you! I look forward to seeing you again in heaven my sweet angel 😇

    Norma
  16. Claire, you were such a fantastic person. Your presence at any gathering made the whole experience better even if we did…nothing! There is no substitute for a warm heart, quick wit, and generous spirit. In the spirit of you, Claire, Jude and I gave Katie our Echo; she really needed the transportation. I think you would approve. : )

    Donna Driskill

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