Claire Carson

Claire Carson passed away peacefully on Saturday, April 5, 2025, at the age of 95 in Cincinnati, Ohio. Born in Yonkers, New York, on July 16, 1929, she was the beloved daughter of the late Lawrence and Sophie Brennan.

Claire lived a life full of laughter, warmth, and deep devotion to those she loved. She was the cherished wife of the late Gerard "Jerry" Carson, with whom she shared a beautiful love story that began in a local Yonkers play and blossomed into a 60-year marriage. Together, they raised three children-Timothy Carson of Bloomington, IN; Dara (James) Hudson of Milford, OH; and Judith (Douglas) Drilling of Cypress, TX. Claire was a devoted "Mommy," "Nana," "Nana Claire," and "Aunt Claire-bo" to a large, loving family that meant the world to her.

Claire was preceded in death by her husband Jerry, her siblings Lorene Fleming and Lawrence Brennan, her daughter-in-law Sandra Carson, and her grandson Benjamin Drilling.

She is survived by her children, 6 grandchildren-Kelly (Peter), Jamie (John), Katie (Kurt), Kimberly (Justin), Samuel (Meagan), and Madelyn (Colte)-and 10 great-grandchildren, who brought immeasurable joy to her later years.

A proud graduate of Gorton High School and a business school graduate, Claire began her career as an executive secretary in bustling New York City before transitioning into her most treasured role-homemaker. She lovingly nurtured her family in New York and later in Bloomington, Indiana, where she and Jerry built a joyful life together.

Claire was known for her radiant smile, quick wit, and signature greeting of "Hello, chickadee!" to those she held dear. Her passions were many-cross-stitching intricate samplers, knitting cozy blankets, delicately crafting quilled artwork, and preparing hearty meals from scratch. An avid bowler and card player, she was never one to turn down a game night or a good euchre hand.

Claire had a zest for life and a youthful energy that was contagious. In her golden years, she and Jerry wintered in Florida as "snowbirds," where Claire led a senior aerobics class affectionately dubbed Swing and Sway with Clairey Mae. She cheered passionately for her Indiana Hoosiers and the Mechanicsburg, Ohio Indians, and she passed down her love of sports and games to her grandchildren.

Her faith anchored her life. A devout Catholic, Claire's devotion to prayer was steadfast and sincere. Her legacy of faith, love, and laughter will live on in her family and all who were fortunate enough to know her.

A funeral Mass will be held at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton in Milford, OH, at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, April 10. Interment will take place at a later date during a private family ceremony at the National Cemetery in Dayton, Ohio.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Claire's memory to Hospice of Cincinnati at hospiceofcincinnati.org.

Claire's legacy is a life well-lived and deeply loved-full of hugs, stories and fun . We will miss her dearly and carry her spirit with us always.