Claire Forestiere Olivier

CLAIRE FORESTIERE OLIVIER peacefully passed away at home, surrounded by loved ones, on Thursday, June 11, 2026. She was 95 years old. She was preceded in death by her parents, Frank J. Forestiere and Mae Claiborne Forestiere; her husband of 42 years, Harry J. Olivier, Jr.; and her sister and brother-in-law, Gloria and Fred Feske. Her six children survive her, Harry J. Olivier, III, Jeanne C. Olivier (the late Robert E. Dineen, Jr.), Dr. Maureen Olivier, Frances M. Olivier (Judge Mark Doherty), Catherine S. Olivier, and Judge Rebecca M. Olivier (Jacob McGavock Dickinson, V); twelve grandchildren and six great grandchildren, including Matthew Olivier Hart (Charlotte) with Caroline, Philip and Victoria; Mikey Freedom Hart (Angi); David Hart (Jovita); Emily Hart; Dr. Meaghan Olivier Doherty (Dr. Steven Fielkow) with Claire and Thomas; Jack Doherty; Catherine Doherty (Pauline); Paul Olivier; Harry Olivier Fink; Jeanne-Claire Olivier Fink; Delaney Olivier; and Jacob McGavock Dickinson, VI (Rose) with Rita.

Claire, along with her husband Harry, embraced and shared their beliefs in a close-knit family; an appreciation for music and art; and the importance of self-reliance and education with their children. She embodied this whether playing the piano, singing her favorite songs, sewing, gardening, preparing teaching plans, or going to class herself. Committed to advancing her own academic goals and career as an educator, she spent time after work and in the summers earning her Master of Education from the University of New Orleans, as well as 30 hours of credit for her Doctor of Education. After decades of teaching high school math, she retired.

This allowed her to pursue painting, a long-held interest close to her heart. She found both passion and friendship through her involvement with Le Petite Art Guild, St. Charles Art Guild, New Orleans Art Association, Louisiana Art Association, Metairie Art Guild, and Jefferson Art Guild. Her pencil drawings, watercolors, and oils were featured in many local art shows.

Forever the teacher, she made her garage her classroom at home, where she was happy to spend time with her grandchildren, sharing the techniques and processes of creating art.

Claire also enjoyed traveling and often visited her children across the USA and Europe while they were gaining their own life experiences. She was proud of their various pursuits, especially their educational and professional accomplishments.

She had incredible strength and courage, which was evident when she faced advanced ovarian cancer. Her survival against all odds was nothing short of miraculous, and her bravery was an inspiration.

Claire loved the culture of New Orleans, and she never missed family gatherings, Mardi Gras, birthdays, communions, graduations, holidays, or Saints game watch parties. She was happy to celebrate with others and always welcomed everyone to her home.

Her legacy will continue with her family and the countless lives she impacted through her teaching and her caring concern for others.

The family extends deep appreciation and thanks to Anita Romas, Justina Thomas, and Gloria Barber, who cared for Claire as if she were their own mother.

Visitation will take place at Lake Lawn Metairie Funeral Home, 5100 Pontchartrain Blvd., New Orleans, on Saturday, June 27, 2026, at 11:00 a.m., with a Mass of Christian Burial at 1:00 p.m. Burial to follow.