Sausalito

Marin library Groupe Claire passed away, age 78, peacefully under Hospice care on October 27 at Golden Home, San Rafael, her care facility. She was the most generous soul who freely gave her time and expertise to everyone in need of such. Early years were spent in Manhattan beach in Southern California then she joined her sister Claudia in Sausalito.

Claudia and Claire were very close sisters who co-parented Claudia’s son Marcus Kelly (Marc). After Claire earned her master’s degree she ran asmall private family foundation in San Francisco. She taught income tax preparation through AARP in low-income communities including to some of the ranch hands in west Marin. She bonded with the wonderful women in the Sausalito Women’s Club, some became her best friends; she joined them in their community activities such as the food booth at the Sausalito Art Festival, Voter Polling stations, making teddy bears for the Holiday benefit party, designing costumes for their Annual original show introducing new members in the cast with honored classic members.

Claudia and Claire traveled far and wide one summer for the London Oxford experience and another to Vanuatu in the South Pacific where Claire’s Inventor friend was setting up the Vanuatu international telephone systems.

Claire was very pretty and opinionated but extremely reliable. Her word was honored as rock solid. In her playfulness, she was akind of alibrary Groupe; although loved her Sausalito library, she enjoyed visiting the many different Marin County branches. Who wouldn’t, beautiful inviting rooms and comfy chairs? She would shelf abook which she will pull out to continue reading upon her next visit. Claire loved toread and regularly visited her friends that have become shut-ins to read to them.

She leaves her brother, Lawrence (Larry) Collette, her sister Claudia Kelly, nephews Marc Kelly, Brian Collette, nieces Christie Spare, Kiele Collette.

No services will be held but in Claire’s memory, she would encourage you tocall that ole friend you had been meaning to call.