Clara Ann Kobza's Obituary
Clara Ann (Paquin) Kobza, age 90, passed away on Saturday, December 31, 2022.
Clara was born to Victor and Leonilla (Gable) Paquin on October 25, 1932 in Muskegon, Michigan. She had four brothers and was the mother of 9 children.
Clara was raised from the age of 5 years old with piano, tap, jazz and ballet lessons. She was an avid pianist and enjoyed entertaining others up until the end of her life’s journey.
She attended, taught at and performed piano and organ for St. Jean’s School where she graduated as Class Valedictorian in 1950.
Clara was both a student and teacher throughout her lifetime. She attended Aquinas College, Sophia University in Tokyo, Japan and the University of Michigan. She graduated from the University of Michigan in 1954 with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Education. She continued her education and earned her Master of Arts Degree in Education from Western Michigan University in 1973.
A teacher of early education for over 40 years, Clara was devoted to her students. She was well known for integrating her music and piano playing into her curriculum and enriching the learning experience for her students.
Clara taught elementary students at St. Jean’s School, Sophia University, McLaughlin Elementary, Angell School and Nims Elementary School.
Clara married James Kobza in 1951 and together they had nine children. She is survived by her children, Kim (Amy) Kobza, Chantel (Jack) Howell, Craig Kobza and (Cheryl) Kobza, Victoria Kobza, Paul Kobza, Jeanne Blauvelt, and David (Pam) Kobza. Clara was preceded in death by her two children, James Victor and Charlene Marie and two great-grandchildren, Gregory Atkinson and Anthony Kobza. She was also preceded in death by her parents, her four brothers: Thomas (Shirley) Paquin, Charles (Helen) Paquin, James Paquin, Edward (Joyce)Paquin and her beloved partner in later life, Michael Kromp, DDS.
Clara was blessed with 13 grandchildren and 14-great-grandchildren including: Lisa (Patrick) Hook and their children: Jack, Charlie, Benjamin and Emilia, Daniel (Jamie) Kobza and their children: Devon, Hudson and Odin, Katie (Joe) Zuidema, Rachel (Jeff) Atkinson and their children: Leo, Charlie, Henry and Nora, Joshua (Crista) Kobza and their daughter, Amalia, Kendra (Matt) Verborn and their children: Kylie and Brayden, Ashley (Jonathan) Kelly and their son: Bowen, Andrew (Alexis) Kobza, Nicholas Blauvelt, Paige Kobza, Kristina Kobza, Austin Kobza, and Kai Kobza.
Clara made many friends and accumulated extended family along her journey. She was blessed with four dear friends in later years including: Teddi Place, Vicky VanLaan, Karl Kromp, DVM, and Jeanne Corbett, DVM.
We are very grateful to the entire staff at Chestnut Fields Living Center for their love and care during her stay there. We are also grateful to North Ottawa Hospice for their tender care at the end of her journey.
A Mass will be said in Clara’s honor at St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church (2929 McCracken St, Norton Shores, MI 49441) on February 26, 2023 at 11:00 AM. A private family memorial and burial will be held at a later date. The burial will be at St. Mary’s Cemetery, Muskegon, MI. Any desired donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Research Foundation.
Arrangements handled by The Lee Chapel of Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services, 6291 Harvey St, Norton Shores, MI 49444. Sign the online guestbook at www.sytsemafh.com
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