Claire Marie Gardner

Claire Marie Gardner, age 71, of New Castle, DE, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, August 26, 2023. Born and raised in New Jersey, on May 21, 1952, she was a daughter of the late Arnold “Hap” and Dorothy (Davis) Gardner. Claire enjoyed summers in Mobjack, VA, spending her days there crabbing and boating. She began her career with Christiana Care first as a nurse, then moving into managing MIDAS there. Claire stayed with Christiana Care until her retirement. Claire had the biggest heart. Those who knew her remember how she had the ability to make each person in her presence feel loved and seen and cared for. You had to be careful to tell her about things that you loved or enjoyed, as she would then present you with those items in abundance. That was just how her heart worked. Claire also had a huge love for music and theatre and her trips to NYC to see shows or to watch her daughter perform were true highlights for her. Cast members will remember her passion for their performances and her quite hysterical “callbacks” for shows like ‘Rocky Horror’. Claire spent the majority of her adult years at Immanuel Episcopal Church on the Green. Most of those years were spent in the choir, as head chorister, as cantor and much more. Claire truly had the voice of an angel. Hearing her sing was a blessing to all. She also served on the Vestry there and taught both Jr. and Sr. Youth Group for 7 years. One of her proudest accomplishments in her singing was when she was able to perform with a choral group in Carnegie Hall in 1996. A true honor to her and a dream come true. Her other proudest accomplishments were for sure her grandchildren and daughter. Courtney was an only child and Claire worked tirelessly to ensure that she was happy and successful and loved. Her grandsons, Gavin and Reid, were her world. There was nothing she loved more than a Nerf gun battle or a good old fashioned “swordfight” or singalong with them. In addition to her parents, Claire was preceded in death by her sister, Pamela Jean Ferguson. She is survived by her daughter, Courtney Clarke (Chris); grandsons, Gavin and Reid Clarke; brother-in-law, Paul Ferguson; and niece and nephews, Jennifer Berger, Jon Ferguson and Josh Ferguson. Claire will be dearly missed by all those who were lucky to be loved by her. To quote one of her favorite musicals and songs “To love another person is to see the face of God” A memorial service will begin at 11 am on Saturday, October 7, 2023, at Immanuel Episcopal Church on the Green, 50 Market Street, New Castle, DE.

Claire Marie Gardner

May 21, 1952 - August 26, 2023