Claire Mendive Brainin

Claire Mendive Brainin, age 94, a resident of Dallas, Texas, passed away unexpectedly on March 19, 2024. She possessed personal strength, a surprising sense of humor, and lasting beauty throughout her life.

Claire was born on November 22, 1929, in Tampico, Mexico, where her father was an executive with Standard Oil of New Jersey. She had an international childhood, growing up in Maracaibo and Caracas, Venezuela. At age 16, she moved to San Antonio, Texas, where she attended Incarnate Word High School as a boarding student. She graduated from the University of Texas at Austin in 1952 with a degree in Business Administration.

At UT, Claire was a member of Alpha Chi Omega sorority, a Bluebonnet Belle, and was voted one of the Ten Most Beautiful on campus. She met Howard Brainin, her husband of 71 years, at the Phi Gamma Delta Garden Party. They married in 1953 and Howard began his service as an Air Force pilot.

After being stationed in Europe, Claire and the family settled in Houston in 1958 when Howard left active duty and joined St. Joe Container, ultimately becoming its President. In 1967, they moved to Dallas where they raised their three daughters, Nina, Stacy, and Laura, and Howard continued to fly as an active reservist, earning the rank of Brigadier General.

Claire proved to be a dedicated mother and fierce advocate for her girls. She had a life-long love of art and fashion. She had a wonderful sense of style and was a talented artist who exhibited her oil paintings in local art shows. Claire had a keen eye for quality in clothing, art, and antiques, always finding the best-of-the-best.

Claire was predeceased by her parents Lawrence and Nina Mendive, and her brother Larry Mendive. She is survived by her devoted husband Howard Lee Brainin, her brother Edward Mendive, her daughters Nina Brainin French, Stacy Brainin Cobb (and husband Bill) and Laura Brainin McBride (and husband Jim), grandchildren Catie French Epple, Robert French, Mike French, Ryan McBride, Blair McBride, Claire Cobb Lick and Will Cobb, along with eight great-grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held on Wednesday March 27, 2024 at 2 p.m. at Sparkman/Hillcrest Funeral Home, 7405 W. Northwest Hwy., Dallas, Texas.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Claire’s name to University Park United Methodist Church or the Salvation Army.