Claire Casey

Claire Casey obituary, Nevada City, CA

Claire Casey

Claire Casey Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Jun. 24, 2024.
Claire Frances Casey, wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, nurse, homemaker, community volunteer, and Catholic, took her last breaths early on the morning of June 21st, 2024, after a sudden, devastating brain aneurysm.

Claire was born February 11, 1939, to Charles and Clarice South, and raised in Santa Clara, California, as the second of five children, including her siblings, Charles, John, Billy, and Mary. She graduated from San Jose State in 1960, with her nursing degree, a vocation that guided her life choices. She married John T. Casey, Jr. on September 3, 1960, and they moved to the Celestial Valley in North San Juan, immediately following their honeymoon.

John and Claire were blessed with four children, Kathleen, Kevin, Mark, and Julie. They moved to Nevada City in 1965, and soon found their forever home on Banner Mountain. At any given time, you could hear children swimming, ice clinking in glasses, oven timers dinging, the distinctive doorbell chimes, and loud stories being retold. The backyard has known weddings, wakes, whiffle ball, baptisms, sledding, and children's 4th of July parades. Her hospitality was far reaching and unforgettable, and it came to its fruition in this sacred place of family.

In no particular order, Claire loved babies, jam making, lectoring at St. Patrick's and St. Canice Masses, walking under the fir and dogwood trees, vacuuming, writing cards to mark endless special events, quilting, delivering Holy Communion to the residents of Atria, shopping at SPD, reading novels for book group, baking, Sunday night family dinners, gardening, and listening to her family banter across a big table. Her interest in other people was genuine, and her faith in God was unshakeable. She was the first to deliver a meal to someone in need, and the last to leave the party.

There is no way to express our deep sadness that she is gone. Our comfort lies in knowing that she is reunited with her beloved John, and many dear friends who passed before her.

Claire is survived by children Kathleen (Jerry) Gianotti , Kevin (Sara) Casey, Mark (Kirsten) Casey, and Julie (Brent) Fraser, eleven grandchildren: Madeleine (Andrew) McHill, Michaela (Lucas) Boyle, Kristen Gianotti, Colin (Lisa) Casey, Molly (Emerson) Wyper, Nick, Hannah, and Ellie Casey, Jane, Jack, and Claire Fraser, three great grandsons, Henry and Owen McHill, and Jack Casey, two great granddaughters, Olivia Casey and Rory Boyle, and a third girl due in November. She is also survived by her siblings and their spouses, Charles (Joanne) South, John South, Mary (Dino) Certa, her honorary lifelong brother of the heart, Father Jerry Wade, S.J., and numerous nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her parents, her brother Billy, and her husband, John.

A funeral liturgy will be celebrated at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Grass Valley, on Wednesday, July 3rd, at 11:00 am.

If you wish to honor Claire, donate to Hospice of the Foothills, where she served as a nurse. Also, she would love it if you made time to write a card to someone you love, bake some cookies, take a long walk, or say a prayer, and think of her.

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

Sign Claire Casey's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

August 29, 2024

John Eisenhood posted to the memorial.

July 19, 2024

Dwight and Joyce Johnson posted to the memorial.

July 11, 2024

Karen Walden posted to the memorial.

John Eisenhood

August 29, 2024

I left Nevada county decades ago but I knew the Casey family, and Claire, in my way....for a time. Having an uncle that still lives in the area I get the occasional update on happenings in the area. I was particularly saddened to have received this bit of news. I suppose I just wanted to express how wonderful both Claire and John always seemed to me. They were both such generous and gracious people and always made me feel welcome and very much at home in their home. I'm saddened to have learned of this news and must say the world has dimmed a bit with her passing. My thoughts and prayers go out to her close friends and family.

Dwight and Joyce Johnson

July 19, 2024

I was so, so very fortunate to see Claire at Staples as we were returning our packages just a few weeks ago. We had not talked in years and it was wonderful to catch up on all our family news. Her love of life, family, community and God were ever present. She was Dwight's favorite plumbing customer. She is a role model for us. We all have been blessed to know her and John. Our heart felt condolences to their beautiful family.

Karen Walden

July 11, 2024

Claire enjoyed swimming with the Master Penguin Swimmers and I enjoyed knowing her 20 years ago. A fellow swimmer.

Julie Nicholson Brewer

July 8, 2024

I was so sorry to hear this news. Claire was such a special lady. I always enjoyed our conversations. She was so interested in other people and ready to talk about anything. It was a treat seeing her at the annual Nicholson family weekends (and of course, we all loved her cookies!) Much love to her family

Ron Hill

July 5, 2024

My deepest condolences to Claire´s family. She was a wonderful lady who lived her faith every day.
Ron Hill

Gary and Stacy Harr

July 3, 2024

Gary and I send our deepest sympathy to the Casey family. We wish you peace, hope and love at the loss of your beloved mother.

Dan Oryshchyn

July 2, 2024

I remember Claire always graceful and generous with her joy and time and home. Such deep love and regard shown between her and John. My heartfelt condolences to her family.

Harvene Clove

June 30, 2024

We were fortunate to move next door to John and Claire Casey over fifty years ago. We found Claire to be a lovely lady, neighbor and friend. We will miss her! Leonard and Harvene Clove

Marge Mooney

June 29, 2024

Claire and I go back so many years.....to the days of dating, and later marrying a Santa Clara boy. Many of the boys had girlfriends, however my friendship with Claire was different; it was so very special. Due to both of us raising large families; she in California and myself in all over the Northwest; we connected less and less, but never forgot each other. Notes at Christmas, anniversaries, and then this past Christmas a full connection of letting each of us know we were committed to meeting in the new year. God's plans are not always our plans. I say goodbye to a special lady, giving thanks for all we shared!

Gary Graves

June 27, 2024

She was a real lady - my condolences to the family

Andy Cassano

June 27, 2024

One of the finest ladies and the best of friends to me. I loved you since I was a kid and will miss knowing that you are nearby. Until we meet again...

Patricia Pedersen

June 27, 2024

So sorry to hear Claire died. Always enjoyed having her walk by my house and talking to her. She is a great loss to our area.

Richard Milhous Family

June 27, 2024

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

The Wasley family (Jerry and Nancy)

June 27, 2024

I met Clair through her children. Always found her to be a delightful lady. My heart is broken for her family. She was a great mother raising her children to be kind and considerate .So sorry for the entire family, my prayers are with you.

Paul Aguilar

June 27, 2024

She'll always be Mrs. Casey to me since I met her, I guess back in 1968 in first grade with her son, Kevin. I remember thinking something like, "Boy, she's soooo nice." Fast forward to 2 months ago at a birthday party and I had the pleasure of sitting next to her where we talked a longtime. Her incredible memory tickled me with things I hadn't thought about in decades! Amazing lady. Condolences to the whole Casey Clan.

Single Memorial Tree

Pam and Cliff LeDuc

Planted Trees

Ingrid Peterson

June 27, 2024

It was always a pleasure to see Claire come into the shop
Usually for something sweet and simple as she would say for a gift
I will miss seeing her
My heartfelt sympathy for your loss
Ingrid Grass valley florist

Diana Garbin

June 27, 2024

I´m saddened for our loss of a beautiful woman. I met Claire several years ago in an Arise group through St. Canice. I was drawn to her strong faith, words of wisdom, and genuine hospitality. Her calm demeanor and genuine concern for others made others feel loved. I will miss the sweet smile she gave me at Mass as we offered a sign of peace. Heaven is her reward for living her faith. My deepest condolences to her family.

Phil Carville

June 27, 2024

Sorry for your loss.

Diann Tipton Fischer

June 27, 2024

I am so very sad to hear about Claire´s passing. Such a kind and beautiful soul. Love to the family.

Joan Good

June 27, 2024

Dear Claire you were always such a wonderful hostess and caring friend. Your
presence among us will forever be missed. You did so much, were so kind and
wonderful. God bless you and your wonderful family!

Single Memorial Tree

Todd and Nancy Fraser

Planted Trees

Nancy Fraser

June 25, 2024

We are so sorry for your loss. It is a loss to all of us who knew that beautiful lady. We pray that your days are now filled with wonderful memories of joyful times that your family shared and celebrated together and we are so glad we were a part of many of them over the years.
My memories of Claire are from our first trip to Nevada City so many years ago. She was always so welcoming and of course, the most incredible hostess I had ever seen. The best (an oldy but a goody) of course being, "Nancy, what are you drinking when you're not drinking beer?". Gosh, that one made us laugh for years, worth circling around again I think :-). Todd and I have so many memories in her beautiful yard with her beautiful flowers and view and always the most delicious spread complete with homemade cookies (likely snickerdoodles for Todd).
I loved her calming presence, her faith and her love of family. She was so beautiful inside and out and I am so honored to have known her. It brings me peace knowing she is reunited with Papa John in a better place. Our love to you all during this difficult time. Todd and Nancy

Single Memorial Tree

Brian Steber

Planted Trees

Brian Steber

June 25, 2024

Claire was absolutely one of my all-time favorite people right from when I first met her and John and the Casey kids in 1969 when I was 5 years old. She couldn't have been more kind and supportive to me. Always so sincerely interested in my life. She is greatly missed .

Jean Creasey

June 25, 2024

Claire was truly an inspiration to me ever since I met her when I was a young mom at St Canice Church. Her values of faith, family and friendships were evident and beautiful. My life is richer from knowing Claire. She was a beautiful human being in all ways.

Showing 1 - 26 of 26 results

Make a Donation
in Claire Casey's name

How to support Claire's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Claire Casey's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more

Sign Claire Casey's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

August 29, 2024

John Eisenhood posted to the memorial.

July 19, 2024

Dwight and Joyce Johnson posted to the memorial.

July 11, 2024

Karen Walden posted to the memorial.