Claire E. Traina

Claire Eva Traina, 94, passed away peacefully on January 3, 2026, with her daughters by her side. Born on September 6, 1931, in Somerset, Massachusetts, to her parents, Francois and Georgianna Manosh, she was the youngest of a blended family with four half-brothers, one half sister, and a full sister, Rita.

Claire and Rita were very close, especially after their mother passed away when Claire was only 12 years old. Rita and her husband, Gerard, introduced Claire, then 19 years old, to Kendall W. Smith, a friend of theirs. The two fell in love and were married on November 25, 1950. They lived in Long Meadow, Massachusetts, and had two sons, Bruce and Todd. Ken worked for BMW and was transferred to New Jersey, where they welcomed two daughters, Michelle and Monique. In 1981, Claire's sister died, and sadly, almost a year later, Claire's husband Ken passed away. Claire was devastated, but pulled herself together for her two young daughters and began working retail jobs, including for Shiseido Cosmetics and Campmor. Oftentimes, she would work two jobs to make ends meet. Her last job was as a bagger for ShopRite of Ramsey. She was well into her 80s then, but didn't let her age stop her from doing things she enjoyed.

She found the most joy taking care of little ones, and babysat for many families over the years. The Rice family of Waldwick had her heart. She loved and adored Cindy, Bob, Matthew, Emily, and Hope. Sweet angel Emily passed away in 1999.

Claire was remarried to Ernest J. Traina in 1994, and they were together for twenty years before his passing in 2014. The two had many adventures together. They loved the casinos in Atlantic City, eating at Chinese buffets, and going dancing with friends. She was so very blessed to have fifteen grandchildren. Jessica, Paige, Adam, Alison, and Andrew are from Bruce, her son. Dorian, Ian, and Claire from her son, Todd. Aaron, Amanda, and Austin from her daughter Michelle. Rachel, Evan, Julia, and Alec from her daughter Monqiue. She was heartbroken when her beautiful granddaughter Jessica was taken to heaven in 2000. Claire was also incredibly blessed to have eight great-grandchildren: Corrine, Bree, and Skylar from Paige and her husband, Bryan; Logan, Mason, and Dawson from Amanda and her husband, Mike; Carson from Alec and his fiancée, April; and the newest little one, Noah, from Aaron and his wife, Erin. Claire enjoyed so many things like sitting in the sun at her daughters' homes; kissing and sneaking treats to her many granddogs; going to the beach; camping; driving her car everywhere especially to see friends and family; shopping at any and all thrift stores; having "a bite to eat" at Stateline Diner, Dino's Diner, Dunkin, or McDonalds; getting her nails and hair done; making friends everywhere she went; playing bingo; sharing baked goodies or chocolates with her friends at her assisted living apartment; reading the National Enquirer; and keeping up with news and politics.

What really mattered most to Claire was her faith in God and Jesus, and being with family. She always believed in the power of prayer and advised her children to "always keep the faith". Being able to watch her grandchildren grow and to be a part of their lives meant the world to her. She had fun watching them play soccer, baseball, and hockey. Even though her sons' children and grandchildren lived farther away, she never stopped inquiring about or caring for them. She was so proud of all of them and did her best to stay involved despite the miles that separated them. Claire spent countless hours between her daughters' homes. She loved being up at Michelle's farm to see the horses and help out with the immense vegetable garden. They would spend hours together chopping veggies and preparing yummy relish. Monique's house was noisy with dogs, and sometimes, when they had foster animals, Claire would help out by snuggling with the puppies in her bed or on the couch. She never ran out of kisses.

Towards the end of her life, speaking and eating became almost impossible, but she always said "I love you", "God Bless", and "Thank You". We could never leave her side without lots of kisses. If you had the pleasure of meeting Claire, she would have a smile and a wave that you would never forget. Claire Eva Traina was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother who her loved ones will never forget for her zest for life, her strength, her laugh, her silliness, and her ability to live each and every day to its fullest. She made sure everyone knew she loved them. We find peace knowing she has been renewed, restored, and reunited with all those in heaven who have passed before her. It must have been quite a reunion. She leaves behind Michelle and her husband, Brian; Monique and her husband, Alan; Bruce and his wife, Laurie; and Todd and his wife, Irina. Gone from earth and forever in our hearts.

Memorial donations/contributions in Claire's memory may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

All services for Claire Traina are private.