Clara 'Claire' May West

Clara May West, age 87, of Clinton Twp., NJ passed away on Thursday, May 11, 2023 at Hunterdon Medical Center in Raritan Twp., NJ.

Known as Claire to her family and friends, she was born on May 29, 1935 in Bronx, NY.  She resided in Clinton Twp., NJ since 2017 and was a long-time resident of Kennebunk, ME.

She was the daughter of the late Hendrick Lauritz and Clara Katherine Bachtler Larsen.

Her beloved husband, Donald James West, passed away in 1991 after 30 years of marriage. 

Claire graduated from Dickinson High School in Jersey City, NJ and earned her bachelor’s degree from Montclair State University. 

She was a previous member of the Order of the Eastern Star Columbia Chapter in West Bergen, NJ where she was also a Worthy Matron.  She was in a past matron’s club called ‘the snow devils’ which she greatly enjoyed.

As a young woman Claire worked for Texaco. She was an avid skier and enjoyed Stowe, Vermont. She left work to raise her family, creating many happy memories for her children. She returned to work in her husband's consulting business from 1983 to 1991.

Claire had a passion for art appreciation and enjoyed painting, photography and visiting museums. She also enjoyed cooking for her family.  Together with her husband, they enjoyed going antiquing and would regularly be found at the Waterloo Village antique shows. 

Survivors include two children; Lawrence J. West and his significant other Teri Catalano of Annandale, NJ and Kathryn West McLeod and her husband Gordon McLeod of Aiken, SC.  One brother; Harry A. Larsen and his wife Loretta of Greenwood Lake, NY.  Three nieces and their families. 

Calling hours will take place on Sunday, May 14, 2023 from 6-8pm.  Funeral service will be Monday, May 15, 2023 at 10am.  All at Scarponi-Bright Funeral Home, 26 Main Street, Lebanon, NJ.  Entombment to follow at George Washington Memorial Park in Paramus, NJ. 

Memorials can be made to the National Wildlife Federation, PO Box 1583 Merrifield, VA 22116-1583 or to your favorite organization. 

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