Claire was born to Seymour and Anne (Lynch) Baum in New York City. She graduated from New York University and taught P.E. in New York City. During World War II she joined the Red Cross and was stationed in Australia. After the war ended she was sent to Japan where she met and married Robert Moorehouse Coleman he preceded her in death on Dec. 29, 2004. She lived in the Silverton area for the last 15 years and enjoyed gardening, camping, traveling and belonged to St. Paul's Catholic Church.

Claire is survived by her daughters, Cory Cross of Silverton, Donna Shpak of Santa Maria, Calif. ; sons, Fred Coleman of Vancouver, Wash., Bob Coleman of Pasadena, Calif.; brother, Alan Baum of Florida and 12 grandchildren.

Burial will be at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific in Hawaii. Arrangements are by Unger Funeral Chapel.