Claire Carter Grande

Claire’s journey began in Columbus, GA on October 26, 1936. Youngest daughter of Leonard and Renva Carter and baby sister to Carol, raised with many aunts, uncles, cousins and Sunday dinners at grandparent’s homes.

Southern belle meets Yankee. That was Claire and Al’s story. A blind date in 1959 that culminated in a wedding in 1960 that led to 57 years of marriage punctuated by two children, 9 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren. The military saw to it that the Grande family saw the world. Claire solo-parented through 2 Vietnam tours and oversaw the making of so many houses into homes that her children lost track.

Claire understood the value of hard work. In the 1970’s, with military retirement looming and Al trying to start a business that would provide, she began to work outside the home. Claire took her tremendous talent as a seamstress and began a career managing the manufacturing for a boutique in Old Towne Alexandria named “Clarissa’s” where custom Ultrasuede garments were designed and produced. She financially supported her family to enable Al to establish a business for their retirement; a business which started in the basement of their Mount Vernon home. ASAP Printing and Mailing became very successful and was soon a staple in the early days of Del Ray. Soon, Claire joined Al in the company and served alongside him for many years.

Al and Claire bought their dream home in Yacht Haven (the story goes that Al bought a dock and Claire got the house that was already on the property). For 15 years their home was the center of entertainment for friends, family and an ever-increasing number of grandchildren.

Eventually, they retired again and moved to Greenspring Retirement Community in Springfield to better enjoy the third act of life. And that’s exactly what they did. Active on multiple committees and living as social butterflies, they thoroughly enjoyed their lives at Greenspring. Sadly, Al died suddenly from cancer in March of 2017 just before celebrating 57 years of marriage. Undeterred, Claire continued to serve (Chapel Board, Drama Group, Dominos, Puzzles, Village Church, etc.) and traveled often with her daughter.

She will forever be missed by her children, Donna and Dean (Michelle). Her legacy includes deep and loving relationships with 9 grandchildren (plus spouses) spread around the country: Helen (Tyler), Linzy (Dan), Cassidy (Cort), Sheila (Arel), Shannon, Star, Taylor, Nathan, and Ashley. Claire took great advantage of the opportunity to know her 10 great-grandchildren who knew her as “MimiGrand”: Kaylee, Avalon, Sierra, Aiden, Quinn, Peyton, Asher, Rhett, Lucy, and Lark. The newest great-grand, Piper, joined the family shortly after Claire passed. Claire is also survived by her sister, Carol (Fred), her sister-in-law, Kim, her son-in-law Greg, and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

The family would like to thank the staff of Greenspring, Goodwin House hospice, and the loving caregivers and extended family members who helped during the last weeks of Claire’s earthly life. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to The Village Church at Greenspring where Claire served on the Chapel Board for many years, c/o Greenspring Philanthropy, 7410 Spring Village Dr., Springfield, VA 22150.

A Celebration of Life/Memorial Service will be at Greenspring Chapel, 7420 Spring Village Drive, Springfield, VA 22150 at 1:30 pm, Friday, February 9, 2024. There will be a reception following in Hunter’s Crossing. Inurnment will be at Arlington National Cemetery at a later date.