Claire Nelson Fulenwider (April 16, 1942 – October 11, 2025) of Santa Fe, N.M. passed peacefully surrounded by family and friends after a long battle with cancer. Born in Baltimore, Md., Claire was fiercely independent. She enjoyed the outdoors, especially horseback riding, birding, and fishing. Claire graduated from Milford Mill High School in Randallstown, Maryland and attended Hood College in Frederick, Md. where she was president of her class.

Claire spent two years teaching High School on the Navajo Reservation in Tuba City, Ariz. before moving to Madison, Wis. for her MA and PhD in Political Science. She taught Women's Studies, Public Policy and Political Science and the University of Wisconsin-Madison for five years. She served a Director of Energy Policy Research at the Wisconsin Center for Public Policy, Executive Director of Market Services for Madison Gas and Electric, President of Heartland Energy Group and Vice President of Business Development at Alliant Energy. Her work as an Energy Consultant took her to India and Egypt with US AID. She also served as a Financial Consultant at Morgan Stanley in Santa Fe. She ended her career as Executive Director for the Northwest Energy Efficiency Alliance in Portland, Ore. before retiring to Santa Fe, New Mexico.

Claire's community involvement included: The Cerillos Hills Park Coalition (which became the Cerillos Hills State Park), La Bajada Ranch Steering Committee, various LGBTQ+ boards and committees, the Envision Fund, the National Cancer Society (Santa Fe), The Consortium for Energy Efficiency and The Energy Center of Wisconsin. She was a founding member of the New Harvest Foundation in Madison. She was an active member of the Temple Beth Shalom Congregation.

Claire is survived by her wife, Harriet C. Forman, who joyously shared 44 years of life with Claire; her son, Nathan G. Knoche and daughter-in-law, Pamela R. Knoche; her daughter, Nina Knoche, her grandson, Nelson G Knoche; and grandson Travis Dregne, wife Roelie Dregne, great grandchildren James Dregne, Trace Dregne, Aurora Arthofer, and Cora Dregne.

A Celebration of Life will be scheduled for a later date. Donations can be made to Mayo CLinic of Rochester, Minn.

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

Published by Madison.com from Oct. 14 to Oct. 19, 2025.

Memories and Condolences
for Claire Fulenwider

Sponsored by Rivera Family Funerals & Cremations of Santa Fe and Santa Fe Memorial Garde.

11 Entries

Sean T Gallagher

Planted Trees

Jeanie McNabb

October 17, 2025

I really admired the way you went on adventures together. You cherished each other in a way that I could feel in your pictures and posts. I´m so,so sorry for your loss.

Florence Sechler Miller

October 17, 2025

There are no words to describe what Claire meant to me, As a roommate at Hood (with Barb Maly Fish) I got to know her as a skilled leader of the Student Government Association -but more than that, as a loyal, fun loving friend . I followed her posts on Facebook and through that saw courage and independence in action. She taught me so much about life as she struggled with her illness but maintained a positive attitude. Her family was obviously dear to her, and the loving marriage she shared with Harriet set an example for all of us, gay or straight. My sympaties to Harrieth over this loss. Glad she died surrounded by family and friends. RIP, my dear friend,

Dianne Elise Strauss

October 17, 2025

In this lifetime, few touch our hearts, mind and soul. Claire was a beloved friend and sister. Her intelligence, independence and loving heart are a pure blessing to this planet. Her commitment to life & community cherished forever and beyond the stars. I will miss her terribly yet continue to contribute in honor and memory of her exquisite spirit. I love you Claire Bear ! Always & forever in time immemorial:

Pam Fennell

October 16, 2025

You always brought a smile and an out-loud laugh to me, Claire. In person and on SM, I could count on you for your enlightenment! May all the angels welcome you above our World.

Marianna Hatten

October 16, 2025

Endless Happy Trails my Friend. You will be so so missed by so so many. I have dear memories which will hold you in my heart.

Jan Wallach mosoff

October 16, 2025

Sending hugs and so glad we got a chance to spend time together
In Santa Fe

Marcia Paris

October 15, 2025

Loved visiting with both of you this summer. We have lost one of the good ones for sure.

Welda Simousek

October 14, 2025

I remember Claire´s smiling face and warm, embracing personality. Her marriage to Harriet was the meeting of like souls.

Donna and Liz Winter

October 14, 2025

So very sorry Harriet Forman that your beloved Claire passed away. We just read the beautiful obituary in today's Wisconsin State Journal and tears fell. A life well lived and so glad to have known her. Claire was amazing, strong, independent, honest, loving and caring to her family and friends and communities. You and Claire set an example for others of us to follow. One of love, strength, devotion, respect, compassion, understanding, trust and support. Her memory will be a blessing. Sincere condolences to you and all her family and friends.

Jane L Johnson

October 14, 2025

I worked with Claire at the Wisconsin Center for Public Policy. He energy, enthusiasm and laugh were/are infectious. A lot of great memories with a great lady. My condolences to the family and all who were lucky enough to have her in their lives. Rest easy sweet lady.

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