Claire C. Weir

Claire Weir was my first piano teacher, from age 13 to 16. She was incredible. She recognized my untapped potential and took me to several concerts and when I was 16 got me an audition with Gary Steigerwalt at Mount Holyoke College, who took over as my teacher. I had been learning on a Yamaha keyboard as my mom couldn't afford a piano, but Claire found one for me that had been donated. I remember the pieces she taught me, and even the order of them! Fur Elise, Moonlight Sonata, Chopin...

My memories of Auntie Claire:
Reading glasses hanging on string holders (what do you call 'em?)
The love she showed to her children and grandchildren
The love she showed to her nieces and nephews
The pride she had in her students
Visits to Sunrise Avenue in Amherst
That dimpled smile!
The way she said, "Hi Denny!"
Her strength of character
Her dedication
Her love of teaching
Her example
Her longing for John
Her longing for my...

My condolences to John & Patrice on the loss of their mom. I was the only tenor in her choir for the 18 years she was choir director. We had more fun and good memories than I can count. May God rest her soul.

Thank you to Aunt Claire for
teaching me to play the piano so many years ago. She was so beloved
and I am so happy to have her name
to carry into the future.
To Patty and Jackie...We love and
miss you all. May God be with you
during this time.

Our thoughts and prayers are with all of our family on this sad day.
Love,
Rick and Tricia Bates and Megan, Amy and Carolyn.