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Claire Vanderbilt Obituary
nee Claire Frances McKiernan, died on Sunday, June 19, at her home in Greenwich, Connecticut. She was predeceased by her husband Hugh B. Vanderbilt, Sr. A Mass of Christian burial will be held at St. Michael's Church in Greenwich on June 28, 2005 at 10 a.m., followed immediately by a reception at the Greenwich Country Club.
Claire is survived by her daughters Laura Ernst and Linda Allen, her son Hugh B. Vanderbilt, Jr. and her five grandchildren, Thaddeus, Alexander and Nicholas Ernst, and Michael and Tyler Allen.
In her life, Claire was tireless in her civic service. She was particularly invested in the activities of the Greenwich Historical Society. For nearly 50 years, she gave of her time and resources, together with her husband, to the Bush Holley House and its historic site, as well as to Historic Deerfield, MA. Dressed as Sarah Bush, she would visit Greenwich school classrooms to teach local history. She was the recipient of numerous awards during her lifetime for her outstanding volunteer service. Claire is remembered fondly by friends and family. Inimitable, she will be sorely missed by all who loved and knew her. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Historical Society of the Town of Greenwich, 39 Strickland Road, Cos Cob, CT 06807.
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Memories and Condolences
for Claire Vanderbilt
Jeffrey Bingham Mead
July 15, 2005
I just learned this morning of the passing of Claire Vanderbilt. I knew Claire and her family most closely through our work together at the Historical Society in Greenwich. Her love, sincerity, sense of purpose and example truly comprise a life worthy of celebration. While I feel a profound sense of loss I feel a duty to carry forth the lessons I learned from her. She would want the work we engaged in to continue, and so it shall. Aloha oe and God bless, Claire. No good-byes, just good memories!
Joyce Pulliam-Fitzgerald
July 1, 2005
Elementis Specialties in Newberry Springs, CA send our deepest sympathies to the Vanderbilt Family. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time as the world has lost the presence of a great matriarch and patriot.
John Benton
June 28, 2005
From the Paris office of RTV we wish to express our deepest sympathy to Hugh and his family. I did not personally know Mrs. Vanderbilt but I do know that I only heard kind words spoken about her.
Boris Nachamkin
June 27, 2005
We knew Claire Vanderbilt for a few years only, introduced by a mutual friend. It was impossible not to like her as she was a special human being. We will always have warm memories of our contact with Claire.
Our deepest sympathy to the family.
Anne-Margrete and Boris Nachamkin
Diana Duvall Grunow
June 23, 2005
I have always admired Mrs. Vanderbilt for her devotion to the Historical Society and appreciated and remembered her for the wonderful friendship she had with my late mother, B.J. Humberstone, and our family. Her friendship and devotion was a gift to so many people and to the Town of Greenwich. She will always be fondly remembered.
George Collins
June 23, 2005
On behalf of the Murray,Ky employees we wish to express our prayers for Hugh and his family. Mrs Vanderbilt always thought of others and would only settle for the very best in everything she tasked. We will continue our everyday tasks with her in mind.
Kit Barnum
June 22, 2005
Claire had the courage to take the Historical Society to a new level of excelence, her vision was beyond the average expectations of what could be accomplished.
Sara Robinson
June 22, 2005
Mrs. Vanderbilt visited my home about 2 years ago, and I felt so honored by her presence. Her stately and serene manner was reassuring to me. She particularly liked the mountain views from the house. I will always remember that visit.
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