CLAIRE ANN MELVIN (nee Trittler), age 95, passed away Sunday, January 26, 2020. Beloved wife of the late Richard; and loving mother of Rik (deceased); Sharyn Orr (Paul), Terry (Joan), Jamie (Maureen), and Todd (Maria); grandmother of Lauren, Alexandra, Kaitlin, Ryan, Tara, Conner, Bryce, Josh, Kristyn and Sean; great grandmother of Gage, Cohen and Denza; sister of Anita Ambrose (Michael), Irene Wass (late Ernest) and the late Doris Melvin (late Joseph); beloved aunt of many. In lieu of flowers donation may be made to the Animal Protective League.
Claire was the first woman to be allowed in the Notre Dame men's locker room during a football game on the excuse of a sprained ankle. (Scrap Iron Young showed her Knute Rockne's office.) She was a huge football, basketball and baseball fan. Claire attended St. Colman’s, West Tech High School and after business college courses she became executive secretary to the President of Republic Steel. She was married to her husband Richard for 59 years and the last five she visited him daily, driving 60 miles each way to the Soldiers and Sailors facility in Sandusky, Ohio.
She was an avid golfer and was a fun loving bridge player in a variety of local bridge groups. She taught her grandchildren how to play a variety of card games and enjoyed winning even more as they got older. In the 1970's and 80’s Claire was the manager of Things to be Remembered retail chain and under her management, gained the highest gross sales in the nation repeatedly. High school kids loved hanging around Claire's kiosk to have their sweetheart's ID bracelets engraved. Adults trusted her with more expensive items such as Rolex watches.
Claire was one of a kind. She remained calm during stressful times. She was sophisticated and classy, heartwarming and helpful. She was the most lovely person and deserving of being a respected matriarch of her family.
Mass of Christian Burial Friday, January 31, at 12:30 in St, Bernadette Church, 2256 Clague Rd. Interment Holy Cross Cemetery. Friends may call at the Corrigan Craciun Funeral Home, 20820 Lorain Rd from 5-8pm Thursday. 440-331-0500.
COMPARTA UN OBITUARIO
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