Born January 12, 1926. Passed away on January 31, 2015. Proud 1944 graduate of Franklin High School and member of Delta Zeta at UW. Survived by her much loved husband Raymond of 65 years, daughters Sheri and Marcia, and son Don (wife Suzanne and grandson Nicholas). Claire was raised in Seattle, was a long time Shoreline resident and devoted her time to the betterment of the community with many hours spent raising Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts. Claire lived to travel with her husband and kids, camping all over and making friends around the world through her love of different cultures. She never met a stranger she couldn't learn to appreciate. Through her extensive volunteer efforts, like the Shoreline Historical Museum, Claire was one of our unsung heroes working to make the world a better place.
Claire was a happy mother and wife, but was also busy being involved in her community. She took good care of her older relatives and was always willing to lend a helping hand. She volunteered with the Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts, at the Shoreline Historical Museum, with Interstudy Homestay (hosting Japanese students), at Pacific Science Center (China - 7000 Years of Discovery and Halley's Comet time capsule), and for the International Association of Electrical Inspectors (women's entertainment). Her memberships included the Fishing Committee of the Kenmore Gun Club and 1800 Wheelers Travel Club (Elks), and the Doll Club (her collection exceeded 2000 dolls!).
Her camping trips with her family extended from the Rockies west to the Pacific Ocean, from Canada to Mexico, and included Yellowstone, the Grand Canyon, Yosemite, Glacier National Park, Bryce, Zion, Banff and Jasper. Their favorite camping spot in Washington was the Teanaway River. They went on several back packing trips, including trips to Mt. Rainier, Glacier Peak, and the Washington Coast. The trailer trips taken after the children were grown included several trips to and around Alaska and the Yukon Territories, a trip to and around Mexico, several trips around the US and Canada, including Newfoundland and Labrador, and outings with 1800 Wheelers.
Her trips with Ray outside the mainland included: Hawaii, China in the 1980s (!), Tahiti (to see Halley's Comet), Costa Rica, Panama, Japan, Indonesia, Malaysia, Austria, Italy, Switzerland and Germany.
Claire and Ray really loved their Shoreline neighborhood. They enjoyed square dancing for several years. They had a boat. And they fished.
Claire truly enjoyed her long life. We will dearly miss her.
There will be a memorial service held at Queen Anne Manor, 100 Crockett Street at 1:30 PM on March 1st.