CLAIRE LERMA Obituary

Claire Lerma After a brave battle with ovarian cancer, Claire made her transition quietly, softly and with grace on September 17th, 2010. Walking many paths during her time on this planet, she knew she was truly a child of God. Never satisfied with the status quo, Claire sought to better herself in whatever way she could. She truly was an emotional rags to riches story. Her childhood left a great deal to be desired, but she refused to fall prey to it. She always knew there was a better way to live, and focused on happiness, grace, dignity, and forgiveness, both of self and of others. Claire came to know herself well with the help of many teachers, for whom she remained grateful. The poem "IF" by Rudyard Kipling inspired her to keep her head about her in spite of the circumstances. She desired that her life would continue to influence friends and loved ones to be compassionate, understanding, non-judgmental and loving without conditions. Her wish for us now is that we all simply love. Traveling whenever she could, Claire especially loved to be on the water. She embraced being on an elegant cruise ship, watching the full moon dance on the ocean. Traveling through life she kept herself in forward motion, often challenging injustice. She accepted life on her own terms. Believing in total honesty she would say, "My life is an open book; what you see is what you get." Claire wished that you now be surrounded by her spirit. She said, "Call out to me, and I will respond to you, support you and love you." She sends blessing to all her friends and family. Blessings to Carlos Lerma, her wonderful mate, his mother, Lina, his sisters, Irma and Olga, his brother, Jorge. And blessings to their spouses and families. Blessings to her brother, Jon, her sisters, Mary, Sylvia, Peggy and Jane, and their spouses and families. She now joins her brothers, Tony and Larry in spirit. And to her corporate family, the Fireman's Fund team, who she shared a great deal, she sends blessings. "Mostly," Claire said, "I bless myself for my courage, dignity, patience and persistence. Finally, I can truly say, well done, Claire, well done."

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Marin Independent Journal from Sep. 26 to Sep. 30, 2010.

Memories and Condolences
for CLAIRE LERMA

14 Entries

linda everist

September 20, 2019

Driving to work today, I was thinking about Claire and I got to work and here was this Legacy page and Claire's smiling face looking back at me on my screen. Thank you God for letting me know that Claire thinks about me too from her new home. I told Claire before she died that I wanted her face to be the first face I saw when I got to heaven and she smiled and did jazz hands to me so I would know how to pick her out of the crowd! Since her death, my husband has died and I know they are both waiting for me and what a glorious reunion it will be.

My sister of the heart ... still with me.

Dr. Marilyn Naito

October 6, 2010

Claire was my friend and sister of my heart, closer than my biological sister. We met when going to undergrad school in Baltimore in the mid-70's, and moved to Hawaii around the same time. We've shared so many laughs, crazy things, good times through the years that even at this time when I miss her so much, I mostly hear her laughing and joyful.

I remember when Claire had to go bail a boat in Maryland, and remember her having to learn to drive a stick shift. I remember her helping with renovation of a Baltimore town home and finding "chicken bones" in the wall ... I remember how we both freaked when we realized they were rodent bones. It was a big eeeek! And so funny!

I remember many dinners, lunches, together sharing moments of our life. When I married in Hawaii, Claire drove us to the reception in my husband's truck with the newly weds sitting on built in seats in the truck bed!! She was always up for fun!

I knew my friend Claire "had my back" and hoped she knew that I would always be there for her too. We talked often in the years after she got that diagnosis, and she never failed to laugh and giggle throughout the phone calls. Even in pain, she found things to be joyful about. Her very deep love for her soulmate Carlos was always at the top of her list of happiness things.

On the day after her death, I could feel her talking to me as I shopped for a sympathy card for Carlos, as I shopped for a bracelet ... her voice was right there with me, giving advice. She is a child of the universe. One in a million. And still with all of us who knew and loved her.

Sr.Mary E. Sheffer

October 5, 2010

To my beloved sister and friend,I'll always remember you as a strong and wonderful person who really cared for all of us.We were so bless to have you as our sister you were so much a part of us and really took care of us in your kind and loving way.you were a real trooper during these four years and kept your chin up and determine to try and beat the cancer and you did in many ways.Your love for Carlos was very evident,Carlos was your true soulmate.Thank you for being there when we needed you,there is a place in my heart and I know you will be looking out for all of us.Carlos was a lucky man to have you to take care of him.When ever I see a cloud I will think of you dancing among them.Go with God dear sister and my best friend

Mary Nooney

October 1, 2010

I never met Claire but through her niece, Linda, I learned that Claire was a kind and loving person who inspired many, including myself. I feel blessed that I knew of her. My prayers and sympathy go out to you, Carlos, and to her family.

Anne Bosch

October 1, 2010

I live in Claire’s small neighborhood. I moved here 4 years ago. I remember that Claire introduced herself to my sister and I, and welcomed me “to the ‘hood”. Although we never had an opportunity to become friends, I have been deeply impacted by Claire. She was already ill when I moved in, and I have been witness to her battle with cancer. Though her appearance changed dramatically due to chemotherapy, she always looked beautiful. I watched during the last difficult weeks as Claire was carried in and out of her home by paramedics. I bear witness to her courage, strength, dignity, and positive energy in the face of such a devastating illness. She truly had grace. I am so thankful that she is now released from her body, which was behaving badly! I can feel her spirit. I will never forget Claire

Linda Everist

October 1, 2010

We love and miss her dearly. What a great tribute to her, Carlos. Love Linda and Bill

Jean Wells

September 29, 2010

Anyone who knew Claire was blessed by experiencing the love, wisdom, and honesty she brought to her friendships. Claire was the friend that was there for you no matter how many years has passed. I am forever changed by they way she lived her life. She will long be my special friend.

Donna Hall

September 28, 2010

I have been blessed to have met and worked with such a wise soul. Claire was and continues to be an inspiration to me. We will surely miss her here at Argonaut. All good things come from up above.....Claire was one.

My thoughts are now with her survivors. God Bless.

September 27, 2010

I am so happy that I got to spend some time with Claire in the last few weeks, it was good to laugh together, Claire was a very courageous lady, I felt very humble in her presence.
Carlos you were her rock, and when she talked about you, I could always feel the deep love she had for you, in her eyes there was nothing you could'n t do. I know how you will miss her, so will I.

May she fly with the Angels. She fought a long battle until the end.

Pauline Hawkins
Novato, Ca.,

Tony Plytas

September 27, 2010

Sad news of such a strong lady. I have fond memories of Claire and Carlos coming into the restaurant I worked in - what great conversations and friendship. How hse could get so happy over a milkshake. I long to make another one for her some day. My heart goes out to Carlos - you're a good man.

Jane Gaskell

September 27, 2010

Very well put. I being her younger sister Jane I remember Claire protecting me and always checking on me as we were growing up. I was happy that I was able to make the trip before she died. I would lay with her and hold her hand and we would talk and laugh. I will miss her and so thankful she had such a wonderful husband and his family and her friends helping during this difficult time. My love and prayers to all.
Jane Gaskell

Peggy Faddis

September 27, 2010

My Sister, My Light, My Friend!
I had a dream, when Claire first became ill, I told her, the Tapestry she was working on, was not finished. It had to be completed. I always thought I would have the dream,and she would show me the finished product. It didn't happen, and I was angry and didn't understand why she didn't. Carlos, put it this way, "maybe she isn't done yet"! So I will continue on my life's journey,knowing her guidence and love will always be there, until the Tapestry is completed.

Our love to you, Carlos and your family, who was also Claire's family.

Love, Peggy, Bud and all the kids.

Good Bye "Auntie Mame"!

Leah Daly

September 27, 2010

Such beautiful words spoken of such a beautiful person. A lovely lady who will me so very much missed. You're right, your work here is done, you have work to do elsewhere. I'm truly blessed to have known you.

Showing 1 - 14 of 14 results