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CLAIRE ULAM WEINER

1944 - 2020

CLAIRE ULAM WEINER obituary, 1944-2020, Santa Fe, NM

BORN

1944

DIED

2020

CLAIRE WEINER Obituary

CLAIRE ULAM WEINER
JULY 15, 1944 - DECEMBER 18, 2020

Claire Ulam Weiner was born in Los Alamos in 1944. Her father, the Polish mathematician Stanislaw Ulam, had been recruited to join the Manhattan Project by his friend John von Neumann. Her mother, Francoise Aron, was just pregnant with her when the couple made the trek to the top-secret City Upon a Hill. Claire was one of the first babies born during the Manhattan Project; the address on her birth certificate was a post office box. She grew up surrounded by the great minds of the Nuclear Age, and their eccentricity and brilliance infused her own. She developed a voracious appetite for insights and information-whether consumed in one of the many newspapers and websites and newsletters she read daily, or untraditionally, from her love of mystery stories. Everywhere she went in the world, her first steps were to procure the local paper and to buy a mystery that was set there.
She was what many people would describe as worldly-the child of extraordinary European parents, fluent in three languages, instinctively attuned to global issues. She was also intensely and above all a local, with roots so broad and deep in the different communities of Santa Fe that she was in many ways of the city. As a young woman she lived in Washington, DC, working on Capitol Hill; in London, where she worked in publishing; in France, where she passed many visits with our French family; in Colorado, where she met and married my father; and in California, where I was born. But her true and rightful place in the universe was here in Santa Fe, where she returned with me and my father, Dr. Steve Weiner, to start his orthopedic surgery practice in 1978. Her work was an extension of her character: social worker, marital therapist, discharge planner. She was deeply involved in politics, particularly on the local level. My parents had an extremely close and loving relationship. They were together side by side in all things until she died. She meant the world to him.
"Oh, goody! Tell me something interesting" she would say when I called her. To whatever thoughts and anecdotes I offered, she would always provide animated feedback. In reality, though, she was the one who always had something interesting to say-commentary about current events, news of our friends' lives, little tidbits that immediately brought me into her world and worldview, with all of her warmth and vibrancy.
She welcomed people into her life with generous enthusiasm, providing them with support, resources, and advice (whether sought or not). Even as a teenager, the person I always wanted to talk to most at a party was my mother, who was often to be found in spirited debate about some big issue of the day. She was a truly original thinker. "Wanna make a bet?" she would ask, when confronting a more conventional view. She was mostly right, always ahead of her time.
She was led by her extraordinary intuition, an ability to know and understand people that was sometimes disconcerting to be on the other end of, as it was often coupled with unfiltered guidance. "Ask Claire Five Dollars" was a refrain that echoed in our household, and she would always answer-thoughtfully, honestly, kindly, helpfully. Growing up, my friends would frequently seek her out for counsel, and she would invariably keep their secrets. As I transitioned from daughterhood to motherhood, and she to grandmotherhood, she became counsel of a deeper sort. This is particularly precious now; if she cannot be here with her grandchildren I can at least impart her influence.
Words can only capture so much of what made my mother so unique, so irrepressible and irreplaceable: she was vivacious, funny, prescient, intuitive, loyal, and utterly authentic. She was endlessly curious and cheerfully cynical. She was matter-of-fact, with unwavering integrity, and was totally immune to the trappings of success or status or fame. She was a bright star, with so much wonder in her orbit. Her passing leaves the world a dimmer, colder place.
"I got the idea," she would often say, in the middle of a movie or play or book that she didn't feel the need to finish. I envied her efficiency, the way she was unfettered by indecision, or the need to hang on, or regret. She made up her mind and stuck to her guns, and she always left the party early. This was shatteringly true of her death as well.
As she was larger than life, so will she be larger than death, forever remaining part of the lives of the multitudes who loved her. "Never say goodbye," she would always say when we were parting ways, "just say see you later."
Claire is survived by her husband, Dr. Steve Weiner, her daughter, Rebecca Ulam Weiner, her son-in-law, Drake Park Bennett, and her two grandsons, Xavier (5) and Damian (3).
A memorial service will be announced at a later date.

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

Published by Santa Fe New Mexican from Dec. 24, 2020 to Jan. 3, 2021.

Memories and Condolences
for CLAIRE WEINER

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Patricia Embry Reynolds

June 5, 2025

Claire Ulam (Weiner) was my friend from the time we were both ten years old until we rinished college. She was our next door neighbor on "Bathtub Row" in Los Alamos, New Mexico. We had a large and noisy family and she often came across the yard to join in our activities. When my sisters and I visited her home, her parents were always nice to us. In high school, I admired Claire for her intelligence, her beauty, and her kindless to everyone. She often traveled to Europe and we loved to hear the stories of her adventures. I was shocked to hear of her death a few years ago in Santa Fe. The narrative written by her daughter provided a perfect picture of this wonderful woman. My belated condolences to her family and friends.

Wojciech Kosiba

July 25, 2024

Warmest condolences from Poland on the death of Stanislaw and Fransçoise's daughter.

Arcturiana

June 3, 2024

De seguro heredó el Alma humana de sus padres, que ninguno querían bombas para destruirnos.
Saludos desde Medellín Colombia, la película muy inspiradora , tanto que.me.trajo hasta acá. Un abrazo fraternal y bendiciones.
Que se perpetúen los genes Ulam.

Rebecca Hahn

January 15, 2024

Hello. I knew your mother. I was the vice chairman of the new Mexico medical board when your father was chairman. I have such respect for your father!! And was privileged to know your mother. My husband, Denis Hahn went to high school with your mother ..... at a function we attended together and where she and Denis discovered they were classmates... your mother looked at Denis and said"" " I don´t remember you.... You must have been a bad boy". Lol. Turned out Denis is an "imagineer". Builds hot rods from the ground up. We love your mother´s relationship with your dad.... She was so special. As your dad is. Your euology of your mother is what I wish for my children to recall of me.
Becky ( Cochran) Hahn

Iván

December 11, 2023

Saludos desde chile e visto la película.. Hermosa.. Solo para entendidos.. Vidas. Privilegiadas saludos!!

Pamela J Jones

July 25, 2023

I met Claire in a small central California town. She was my therapist helping me get through some anxiety in my early 20's. She was amazing, worldly, down to earth and no nonsense. She sent me some beautiful carved iced teaspoons as a weddig present. I still have them and will always treasure those teaspoons. I never knew she was the daughter of famous parents until I saw her obituary. I'll never forget her. She changed my life for the better.

Barbara Dworzecka

February 15, 2022

Wanderful memories. I am only extended famili of Stanislaw Marcin Ulam, the daughter of Richard Stanislaw born in Lviv May, 1936. My good friend Stefan Kamie´nobrodzki (Kambrod) also from Lviv was telling me story about this family back then in 1934 and 1935 in Lviv at University. Józef, Adam and Stanislaw Ulam. Gainesville, Ocala Fl was the please I talk to my friend in year 1984 and 1985.

Peggy Moore

October 20, 2021

A good friend of ours recommended the movie Adventures of a Mathematician. We watched it last night and this old brain finally snapped oh Claire´s father. Now I am sorry not to be able to talk to her about it. She will be missed

Enedine Herrera

September 26, 2021

I just found out about Claire. I am so sorry for your loss! I alway saw the love as a family! One of many beautiful memories.

Beverly Merz

July 2, 2021

Claire was a college roommate and one of my most loved lifetime friends. We fell in and out of touch over the years, but always seemed to pick up exactly where we left off. I just googled to see what she was up to and found this sad, beautifully written, and spot-on tribute. She meant so much to so many of us.

Group of 10 Memorial Trees

Stuart Bluestone

Planted Trees

Paula Thompson

April 1, 2021

I didn't know Claire, but I wish I had. I too had a bite at the Manhattan Project, but not until the sumnmer of 1967, when I went there for a summer program to make sure science wasn't for me. I thought "it" was French. Turned out to be both. Didn't work out. I'm sure Claire and I could have had some great chats.

Group of 10 Memorial Trees

Rimesh Patel and Lisa Palmieri

Planted Trees

Cluster of 50 Memorial Trees

Nedra and Richard Matteucci

Planted Trees

Roy Martin

January 8, 2021

For a while, when Claire attended Los Alamos High School, she was the object of my infatuation. She was so much more sophisticated, well traveled, etc. that my shy, fumbling attempts at a relationship were doomed to failure. But I saw in her a confident, opinionated young woman even at age 16. I am afraid I made a nuisance of myself going over to the Ulam's home on more than one occasion trying to build a relationship. I knew her mother because I played the violin and her mother was very supportive of my musical endeavors. A couple of times I ended up playing tennis with Stan; I think he felt sorry for my uphill attempts to gain his daughters affection, so to he suggested we play tennis. He was fairly easy to beat because he had cataracts probably from radiation exposure, so he could not see the ball well until it got within about ten feet. The family also took me to a concert or two in Santa Fe, but my charms were far to limited to have any noticeable affect on Claire. Janet, my wife of 43 years, has heard me talk about my adolescence and my Claire. I guess she became a symbol of many aspects of adolescent infatuation. I am so sorry to hear about her passing.

Jil K McGurn

January 5, 2021

Sitting in home room at Los Alamos High School in the 60's with Claire, remembering her cheerful intelligence and unbounding energy. We would see each other occasionally in Santa Fe where she always remembered me with such warmth and enthusiasm. She will be missed. My deepest sympathy.

Jeanie and Bill Fleming

January 5, 2021

What a lovely tribute to Claire, Rebecca. She did indeed brightened every room she entered, and set things straight nicely with no mincing around.
Our hearts go out to you, Steve and your family.

Sandy Healy

January 5, 2021

I remember Claire from high school. We were in the same graduating class. My memories of her kindness and integrity have lived in me through all these years. My condolences to all her family. I share your sadness at her loss, and appreciation of the joys she has left.

David DePolo

January 5, 2021

Thank you, Claire, for supporting education in Santa Fe. You challenged us with great questions and then helped us to find many answers.

Susan Cantor

January 4, 2021

i knew Claire briefly and can hardly imagine Santa Fe without all her energy and cheerful forthrightness. My condolences to your family.

Bruce Mazur

January 4, 2021

I was fortunate to meet Claire on a few occasions and, in those short moments, I always came away more informed about something and smiling. Claire was a very unique and caring woman who will be greatly missed. Deepest condolences to Steve and her family

Grove of 100 Memorial Trees

bruce mazur

Planted Trees

Nurit Walsky

January 4, 2021

Dear Steve & Family,
We extend our deep condolences and are still shocked by the abrupt interruption of Claire’s beautiful life.
What stood out to us about her was her radiating wisdom and sharp sense of humor. Her devotion to you, Steve was so profound evidenced by the way she would attend to you when you were injured.
We are with you at this difficult moment.
Nurit & Mark

Jude

January 3, 2021

I did not know Claire, but my husband was a patient of Dr. Weiner, whose caring bedside manner must indeed have been enhanced by the woman and reinforced by the relationship so beautifully described here. Deep condolences for your loss.

Carmella Flores

January 1, 2021

Sending my deepest condolences to the family. I am truly sadden for Claire my dear friend, co-worker, role-model that I always loved and adored she was very special to me. Carmee she would call me,

Rita Wood

January 1, 2021

Sending the family my sincere condolences
Rita Wood

Marie Marguerite Lopez RDH BS

December 31, 2020

May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.

Bill and Amy Sisneros

December 31, 2020

We are shocked and saddened by the news. Claire has been such a reliable fixture in the world of politics, local, national and international. She always made us smile. She will be forever missed.

Henry Pacheco

December 30, 2020

My deepest condolences to you and Dr. wiener, I always enjoyed working with your mother when she worked on 2100.

Julie Shannon Wilson

December 30, 2020

Rebecca... this is Julie Shannon Wilson, I met Claire in 3rd grade, early 50’s, when we were in elementary school..Central school thru High School. They lived in the log house by Fuller Lodge. She shared an interest in horses with me. Francois took us to Bandelier to ride the dude horses. It was a most joyous time for me... it launched me on my lifelong involvement with horses. I can remember us playing with horse statues and galloping around the yard as Francoise played the grand piano... beautifully. Los Alamos was a magical place to grow up in. So sorry for your loss, but happy to know she had you and grandchildren.

Comfort Planter

Michele Andrews

Sent Flowers

Caitlin Holmes

December 29, 2020

Claire was an exceptional woman. I had the privilege of working with her at the Richardson Center. Deepest condolences to her family and friends

Caitlin Holmes

December 29, 2020

Claire was an exceptional woman. I had the privilege of working with her at the Richardson Center. Deepest condolences to her family and friends

Mary & Karen Andersen

December 28, 2020

We are holding you in our hearts & send much love.

Leonard and MaryAnna Keshen

December 28, 2020

Deepest Condolences

Dan Mauldin

December 27, 2020

I worked with Stan in Los Alamos and Santa Fe and sometimes stayed at Stan and Franciose's home. When Claire came, things always became bright and delightful. We hold Claire and her family in our memories.
Our deepest condolences.
Dan and Diana Mauldin, Friends

Annabelle Silva

December 27, 2020

My deepest, deepest condolences to Dr. Weiner and family. What a great tribute to a wonderful woman written by a loving daughter. How proud she must have been of you. May all those wonderful memories she left be of great comfort to all of you forever.

Annabelle Silva

John and Mary Ann Pound

December 27, 2020

Claire brightened every room she entered. We are very sorry for your troubles.

Charles and Betty Riley

December 26, 2020

Our deepest condolences to Steve and Rebecca. She was a lovely woman and her quick wit and infectious smile will be truly missed .

Laurel Seth

December 26, 2020

My sincere condolences. What a beautiful and evocative tribute to a bright and truly unique light in our community.

Laurel Seth

December 26, 2020

My sincere condolences. What a beautiful and evocative tribute to a bright and truly unique light in our community.

Sandra Fitzpatrick

December 26, 2020

I have written about Claire to Steve. But I want to say to daughter
Ulam Weiner, that your Mom would burst reading what you have written.
You have captured the vibrancy of Claire for all of her friends, for the city of Santa Fe and for Steve.
Love from the Fitzpatricks.....Sandy and Jim

Virginia Oppenheimer

December 26, 2020

What a beautiful tribute to a special and wonderful woman. Deep condolences from the Oppenheimer family.

Halley Faust

December 26, 2020

Claire added authenticity, empathy, and fortitude for many years to the St. Vincent Regional Medical Center Bioethics Committee. Her animated comments and clear suggestions were always spot-on in trying to keep the committee relevant to the local population. Our condolences to Steve and the whole family.

December 25, 2020

she sounds like me, if you take away the intelligence, ability. i didn't know her. but i knew her mom.

Alice Sealey

December 25, 2020

That is the most beautiful obituary I have ever seen and is incredibly well written. Claire was a very special person but I had no idea how special she really was, even though I have known her for many years. I am deeply saddened by her sudden and untimely death and send my very deepest condolences to you, Steve and to you, Rebecca. I cannot imagine how much she will be missed by you and by others. Whenever I saw her we laughed and we talked politics.
I am sending my love and thoughts, Alice (Sealey)

Lois Brichta

December 25, 2020

Rebecca, this tribute is truly fitting for an amazing woman. It was my honor and pleasure to have known her. Lois Brichta

Lena Vurma

December 25, 2020

We, the whole cast & crew of "Adventures of a Mathematician", send our heartfelt condolences to Steve & Rebecca. Claire was such an inspiration and help for our film, but also we feel blessed to have met her: such an incredible energetic and welcoming human being. She will always be remembered. Thor, Lena, Joanna, Philippe, Fabian and everyone else on the team.

Kathy and Rick Abeles

December 24, 2020

Seldom do you meet someone who does not mince words but gives you a straight up opinion that is right on. Claire was one of those people you could always depend on for the real scoop. What an extraordinary tribute capturing the essence of Claire! And yes, she always left after the first act of any performance and in this case exited way too early. We send our love and sympathy to Steve and Rebecca as well as the entire family. We are truly at a loss for words to express our extreme sorrow.

Mary Anna

December 24, 2020

Deepest Condolances

Mark Humbert

December 24, 2020

We are heartbroken. We can’t imagine Santa Fe, or the planet, without Claire’s presence. Much love to you all. May her memory be a blessing Mark and karin

Group of 10 Memorial Trees

Betsy Walker

Planted Trees

Paul Bardacke

December 24, 2020

What a beautiful and moving and essay. It captures the wonderful and unique qualities of Claire. We send our deepest condolences to Steve and family.

Paul Bardacke and Lisa Enfield
friends

marshall fitz

December 24, 2020

Our family arrived in Santa Fe in 1978 as well and almost immediately our family histories became enmeshed. Our daughters growing up with Rebecca, their mother with Claire, and I with both Steve in our hospital work and Stan on the tennis court. Claire’s character as so richly desctibed by her remarkable daughter, Rebecca, was the centerpiece of our families’ 42 year involvement. Her sudden adios opens a large, irreplacable hole in our hearts, in Rebecca’s and Steve’s lives, and in Santa Fe. But the aliveness of her life in our memory will always enrich Santa Fe and our family.

Bob Shirley

December 24, 2020

Great obituary that all of us who knew or worked with her could attest to. I worked with her for many years at the hospital and I have never forgot her positive attitude and smiling face at every encounter in the hustle bustle hallways of the hospital. Definitely a memorable and one of a kind lady...sorry for your loss.

Group of 10 Memorial Trees

Dustin Belyeu

Planted Trees

Dustin Belyeu

December 24, 2020

My deepest condolences to Steve, Rebecca and the rest of the family. Claire was an amazing woman and I always so enjoyed running into her. From high school until recently. She would tell me about the family was always very enthusiastic to hear about my family. She will be missed by all.

Grove of 100 Memorial Trees

Stephen Marsters

Planted Trees

Marianna Versteeg

December 24, 2020

So sorry to hear this news .... I remember Claire working with her on 2100 and she was exactly as described: a bright and sparkling star able to distract you from the stress .........
My loving thoughts are with her and her dear family .......
Marianna

Carolyn D'Alessandro

December 24, 2020

My heart is deeply saddened to hear the passing of Clare. What an amazing woman she was and the world is different now. My deepest condolences to her family.

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