Claire M. Palmer

Claire Palmer (née Brown), born on July 5, 1961, in Norristown, PA, passed away on July 4, 2025, surrounded by her family. Claire is now at peace after courageously battling aggressive brain cancer for the last 15 months. She is survived by her husband of 38 years, Doug, and their beloved children Catherine and James; as well as brothers Larry (Mary), Michael (Alexandra), and Kevin (Paula); and nephews Oliver, Aidan, and Mario, and niece Kyran. Claire had a lifelong passion for science. After graduating with a B.S.Chem. from Bucknell University, she worked as a chemist for Johnson Matthey and then as a technical writer for Shared Medical Systems and Siemens. Her colleagues often remarked on her ability to make even the most complicated concepts understandable to broader audiences - a rare talent to which her family can also attest. Claire's greatest joy was music, particularly singing. Over four decades, she performed across the Northeast, beginning with the Bucknell Chapel Choir and later performing with Philly's Choral Arts Society, the Berkshire Choral Institute, and the Bel Canto Lyric Opera Company. Claire's soprano voice was as beautiful as it was versatile, suited to the works of classical composers and singer-songwriters alike. She was most truly herself when immersed in song. Second to music was Claire's love of knitting. Winter hats were her specialty, and she often designed the patterns herself. She was also a stickler for perfection, determined that not a single stitch be dropped in the final product. Her family was continually in awe of her commitment to the craft. Throughout her life, Claire also provided a loving home for many a stray cat, cherishing her time with Petey, Alex, Sheba, Mittens, Sasha, and Huey. Relatives and friends are invited to Claire's Life Celebration on Monday, July 14, 2025, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Boyd Horrox Funeral Home, 200 W. Germantown Pike, Norristown, PA 19401. A second visitation will be held on Tuesday, July 15, 2025, from 10:00 AM to 10:50 AM at St. Paul's Catholic Church, 2007 New Hope Street, East Norriton, PA 19401. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 11:00 AM, and Claire will be laid to rest at St. Patrick's Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, we kindly request that memorial donations be made to A Baby's Breath (https://ababysbreath.org/jeffersonville/) and Kitty Cottage (https://www.kittycottage.org/). To share your fondest memories of Claire and to express your condolences to her family, please visit www.LifeCelebration.com. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Claire, please visit our floral store.