Clare M. Horchen

Clare M. “Babe” Horchen, 96, a resident of Silvercreek Terrace and formerly of Maple Street, St. Marys, passed away peacefully with her family by her side, Friday, December 19, 2025 at Penn Highlands Elk.

She was born April 18, 1929 in St. Marys, daughter of the late Frank and Marie Zimmerman Bucheit.  She was a lifelong resident of the area, a graduate of Central Catholic High School, Class of 1947, and an employee of Sears, Roebuck and Co., where she retired.

On May 30, 1953, in Sacred Heart Church, Clare married the late Paul Horchen, Jr., who preceded her in death on October 24, 2015.

Babe is survived by her daughter, Mary Ellen Frank (Raymond) of St. Marys; sons, James Horchen (Laura) and David Horchen (Sallie), both of St. Marys; five grandchildren: Charles Frank, Corey Frank, Emily Kleps, Kyle Horchen, and Jaclyn Williams; eight great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

In addition to her husband and parents, she was preceded in death by a granddaughter, Abigail Horchen; two half-sisters: Charlotte Vollmer and Frances Hillebrand; and eight half-brothers: Louis, John, Richard, Andrew, Leon, Bernard, Walter Bucheit, and Frank A. Heinkel.

Babe was a devout Catholic and parishioner of Queen of the World Church.  She was a member of the Catholic Daughters of America, the Rosary Altar Society, and the Red Hat Society.  She placed family and faith above all else, drawing strength from her beliefs and showing love, patience, and devotion to those closest to her.  Clare could always be found putting puzzles together.  She was a steady source of encouragement and love, she could always be found supporting her grandchildren during their many activities.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held in Queen of the World Church, 134 Queens Road, St. Marys, PA 15857 on Monday, December 29, 2025 at 11:00AM, with Rev. Jeffery Noble, Pastor, celebrating.  Burial will be in the St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery.

Visitation will be held in Queen of the World Church on Monday, December 29, 2025 from 10:00AM until the time of Mass.

Memorial donations, if desired, may be made to Queen of the World Church, 134 Queens Road, St. Marys, PA 15857 or to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.