Claire Wipperman, 87, a second generation pioneer Alaskan, died in Newport, Ore., on Dec. 20, 2017. A longtime Juneau, Anchorage and Halibut Cove, Alaska, resident, she was the daughter of the Federal District Court Judge George and Ruth Folta. A celebration of her life will be held in Juneau May 5, 2018. Contact son Richard at 907-242-3235 for details.
Born Oct. 3, 1930, in Juneau, Claire graduated from Juneau High School in 1948. Married to Lou Rainery in 1951, she had two sons: Richard (1952) and Mark (1957). Singing was her lifelong passion; she sang in local churches and studied voice at University of Oregon.
Moving to Anchorage in 1960, Claire toiled in the legal industry, wrapping up her career as an in-court clerk for the Alaska Court System. She continued singing, starring in many local musicals and operas (from which she learned how to live like a diva). She also acted in dramatic roles, including the one woman show "The Belle of Amherst."
Remarrying in 1970 to Ray Wipperman, the two built a cabin in Halibut Cove on Kachemak Bay, spending springs and summers there for 30 years. Claire loved fishing and sightseeing on the waters of the bay. The two traveled extensively in the Lower 48 and abroad. After a short residence in the Anchorage Pioneer Home, Claire moved to Newport, Ore., in 2015, to be with son Richard and family. A lifelong progressive, Claire bemoaned the country's recent turn of politics. To the end she retained her acerbic wit and sense of humor.
Predeceased by first husband, Lou Rainery; second husband, Ray Wipperman; and son, Mark Rainery, Claire is survived by son, Richard Rainery and wife Kay Klose of Newport, Ore.; brother, Richard Folta (Julie) of Haines Alaska; and stepson, Tim Wipperman (Jean) of Durham, N.C.; and by several grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

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Published by Anchorage Daily News from Apr. 26 to Apr. 27, 2018.

Memories and Condolences
for Claire Wipperman

6 Entries

Jeanette McGhee

April 28, 2018

May the God of all comfort and mercy give the family hope and peace during this time of sadness and sorrow. Jeremiah 29:11,12.

R B

April 27, 2018

May comforting memories along with family and friends bring solace as you reflect on your beloved one's life. Providing strength. Hebrews 12:12

April 25, 2018

May the God of all comfort strengthen the family during this time of deep sorrow. Those who pass on, God keeps in his memory because they are precious in his eyes. My sincerest condolences. (Psalms 116:15)

M C

April 25, 2018

I am trully and deeply sorry for your loss. My warmest condolences go out to the family and friends of Claire. May the God of all comfort grant you peace and strength during this difficult time (psalm 29:11)

April 24, 2018

For the dear family and friends of Claire, my thoughts are with you all in this difficult time. May your memories of her bring joy to your heart, as you are also assured and comforted by God. (Psalm 16:8)

April 24, 2018

May you be comforted by Isa 41:10,13

Showing 1 - 6 of 6 results

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