Claire Katz

Seattle - Claire Katz, age 95, passed away peacefully on September 25, 2025 in Seattle, WA.

Born in 1930, in North Adams, MA, she was the daughter of Charles and Lillian Kosberg. In 1953, she married the love of her life, Raymond Katz, with whom she shared 39 years of marriage, until his passing in 1992.

Claire graduated from Drury High School and North Adams State College with a degree in Education. Her career was teaching young children to read under Title I. This often involved "classrooms" that were actually hallways, closets, or even spaces under stairways. Despite the challenges, Claire found her work highly rewarding.

Claire's home was always filled with friends, family, people in need, and random strangers brought home by her husband and children. The neighborhood children knew she could be counted on to always have milk and cookies. Even the occasional hitchhiker was brought home for a meal.

After retiring, Claire spent 30 years in Naples, Florida. She was in high demand as a bridge partner, loved to go out for dinners and performances with friends, and enjoyed traveling around the world. Naples is where Claire met her second husband, Jack Hirsch. He passed away in 2010, after seven years married to her. Claire's final years were spent in Seattle, WA.

Claire will be remembered as a strong woman, devoted wife, mother, and grandmother, and for her giving nature. She stood up for those who needed help, and was a lifelong practitioner of righting wrongs.

She is survived by her two children: Ellen (Jim) Hunt of Amherst, MA and Mitchell (Liz) Katz of Seattle, WA, as well as several grandchildren and great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her beloved brother, Marty.

A private graveside service was held in Seattle on Sept 28th. A celebration of life will be held in Seattle in August of 2026. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Ballard Food Bank or Kline Galland Hospice in Seattle.