Date of Birth:
Wednesday, July 27, 1932
Date of Death:
Sunday, October 27, 2024
Age:
92 years old

Clarice M. McGlinch

Clarice Mae (Garrotto) McGlinch, 92, died October 27, 2024, at Madonna Towers in Rochester. She leaves behind her four children, Mark (Marcia) of Rochester, Brian (Pamela) of Baxter, Jane of Rochester, and Peg of Washington, D.C.; nine grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; her sister Sandra Frankl of Corydon, IA and her brother Lewis Garrotto of Columbia, MO. She was preceded in death by her husband of 59 years, Joseph, and her parents.

Clarice was born on July 27, 1932, in Omaha, NE to Paul Garrotto and Lodovina (Rolla) Garrotto. Her family moved to Mason City, IA during her childhood, and Clarice attended Mason City High School. After graduation, Clarice moved to Rochester to attend St. Marys School of Nursing. She had a postgraduate course in surgical nursing and then served as head nurse in neurosurgery at St. Marys Hospital.

In the fall of 1959, at a communion breakfast, Clarice met the love of her life, Joe McGlinch. They married on May 7, 1960, at St. Joseph’s Church, Mason City, Iowa, in the midst of a late spring snowstorm. They made their home in Byron and eventually welcomed four children. For decades, they attended Christ the King Catholic Church in Byron.

Clarice took some time away from the workforce to raise their four kids but returned to nursing at Samaritan Bethany and Assisi Heights. For many years after her formal retirement, she continued to serve as a volunteer hospice nurse.

Clarice and Joe loved each other’s company and traveled frequently, especially to Ireland and Scotland. She enjoyed knitting, quilting, gardening, mystery novels, puzzles, and above all, spending time with her children and grandchildren, who adored her.

Clarice enjoyed excellent health until a stroke in 2022 accelerated her memory decline. For over a year prior to her death, she resided at Madonna Towers. Clarice’s family sends their deepest gratitude to the staff there, who helped support her health and her spirits with their grace, compassion, and professional skills. They also send profound thanks to the Mayo Clinic Hospice employees and volunteers.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to Mayo Clinic Hospice and Channel One Regional Food Bank.

The funeral service for Clarice will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, November 1, 2024, in the River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery of Rochester.

Online condolences are welcome at www.mackenfuneralhome.com.