Claire L. Koolman

Claire L. Koolman, 81, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her loving family, on June 26, 2026.Born on January 24, 1945, in Paso Robles, California, Claire was the third child of Oren B. and Doris (Morehouse) Smith. A lifelong Paso Robles resident, she cherished her hometown and the community she called home throughout her life.

Claire was the devoted wife of 61 years to Gordon A. Koolman, whom she married on February 27, 1965. Together they built a loving family and shared a lifetime of adventures. She was a beloved mother to Ker'rin Morrison (Matt), Scott Koolman (Kris), and Beth Peterson (Kirkley).

She leaves behind a treasured legacy through her nine grandchildren—Jamie, Madison, Morgan, Mer'rin, Tristen, Shane, Grace, Elijah, and Emiley—and her five great-grandchildren: Malikai, Lillyanna, Maddix, Bodhi, and Adaline. She is also survived by her siblings, Julia Padilla and William Smith, as well as many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends. She was preceded in death by her parents and her sister, Judith Pierce.

Claire's love for her community began early in life. As a young girl, she and her sisters performed tap and ballet at the renowned Lock Dance Studio at the Park Ballroom, and she was also an active member of Camp Fire Girls. After graduating from Paso Robles High School in 1962, she attended Merced Junior College before returning home to Paso Robles.

While working as a carhop at the local A&W, Claire met the love of her life, fellow Paso Robles High School graduate Gordon Koolman. Soon after they married, Gordon graduated from the California Highway Patrol Academy, and the couple moved to San Francisco, where they welcomed their first child. They were delighted when Gordon was soon transferred back to Paso Robles, where they welcomed two more children, raised their family, and spent the remainder of their lives together.

Claire embraced life with enthusiasm and joy. She loved the outdoors and was an avid softball player and bowler, participating in local leagues and traveling to tournaments for many years. Family was at the center of everything she did. Summers were spent waterskiing at Lake Nacimiento, while winters brought skiing and sledding adventures in the Sierra Nevada. She and Gordon also enjoyed traveling and camping throughout the western United States and Canada, creating cherished memories with their children, siblings, nieces, and nephews.

Claire's courage and selflessness were recognized on October 27, 1987, when she was awarded the prestigious Certificate of Valor by the Office of the Attorney General, California Department of Justice, as well as a commendation from the City of Paso Robles. The awards honored her outstanding service to the community and the State of California, along with her heroic actions in support of criminal justice after she risked her own life to rescue the victim of a home invasion from a burning residence on December 4, 1986, saving the victim's life.

Above all else, Claire's greatest joy was her family. She rarely missed a sporting event, school performance, celebration, or milestone in the lives of her children and grandchildren. Her kindness extended well beyond her own family, as she faithfully drove neighborhood children to and from practices, supported local youth, coached youth sports, and enthusiastically cheered from the sidelines. She was also a dedicated parent volunteer with Camp Fire Girls and the Boy Scouts and a faithful member of her church, where she served as a Sunday school teacher and Missionette leader. Her generosity, compassion, faith, and unwavering love touched countless lives.

Claire will be remembered for her warm heart, quiet strength, adventurous spirit, and deep devotion to her family, faith and community. She will be profoundly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing and loving her.

A Celebration of Life will be announced at a later date.