Obituaries

Claire Marie Clunan, 60

May 20, 2014

Surrounded by her loving family, Claire Marie Clunan completed her earthly journey on Tuesday, May 20 after a courageous battle against multiple myeloma. Born in Lancaster on January 8, 1954, she was a daughter of the late John P. Stank Sr. and Claire Yentzer Stank.

Claire was a woman of strong faith who loved serving God and people. She was a soft, nurturing mother, daughter, sister, and friend whose mission in life was to help others enhance their spiritual and physical health. Always optimistic and encouraging, she embraced and accepted everyone, including many members of her extended family whom she regarded as her own.

She was a 1971 graduate of Lancaster Catholic High School and a member of Lancaster Christian Alliance, where she served as a Stephen Minister, providing one-to-one Christian care to individuals experiencing difficulties in their lives.
The greatest joys in her life were her daughters, Rebecca Lee Clunan of Mount Joy and Melissa Tritt of Lancaster, and her grandchildren, Charlotte (Lottie) Tritt and Aaron Ryan. Claire was an animal lover, and her little dog, Cyndal, brought her joy and comfort and was at her side when she passed.

Claire graduated from HACC with a certificate in Massage Therapy and became known for her gentle, healing massage. She had a love of organic gardening and natural healing remedies. She also had a special knack for knowing when someone was experiencing a challenge in life and would often show up simply to offer comfort and guidance. When she was only 16, Claire saved a young child’s life by rescuing the little girl from a fire in the house where Claire was babysitting.

Earlier in her life, she was a partner in Blue Mountain Spring Water Company, and she also worked in sales and accounting.

7 sisters and brothers survive Claire: Barbara (William Simpson) Lancaster; Christine Peppers, Lancaster; Liza Zimmerman, Lancaster; Julie Abel (Michael), Lancaster; Joseph Stankiewicz (Beth Conklin), Lancaster ; John P. Stank, Jr., Lancaster; Geoffrey Stankiewicz (Mary Kegel) Lancaster. Also surviving are Claire’s devoted aunt, Gene Schacht of Lancaster, and 13 nieces and nephews.

The family extends its sincere thanks to Dr. Shyam Balepur and the entire staff at the Ann B. Barshinger Cancer Institute for the compassionate care that they gave to Claire during her fight.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, May 24, 2014 at 11 AM at Lancaster Alliance Church, 210 Pitney Road, Lancaster, PA with Pastor Carl S. McGarvey officiating. The family will receive guests from 9:30 until 11AM at the church. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Claire’s memory may be made to Ann B. Barshinger Cancer Institute Fund, 2102 Harrisburg Pike, Lancaster, PA 17601

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Condolences to the Family

May 31, 2014

Barb, I am so sorry to hear the loss of your sister, I know it is heartwrenching to loose a sibling and may God Bless you and your family through thess difficult times. If there would be more people on the face of this earth like Claire, the world would be a better place for all of us. My niece’s hisband is also battling the horrible diease of MM who is only 41 yrs old with two young daughters…their lives are full of constant struggles and uncertainies.Caire will always will always be with you in mind and spirit. Carol (Kirchner) Vere

May 29, 2014

So sorry to hear of Claire’s passing. my thoughts and prayers are with your family.
Much love,
Jerry Izzo

May 28, 2014

Barb, I was so sorry to hear about Claire. I have memories of her and her quick smile and gentle nature. She was someone that was interested in who she was listening to…that genuineness is a gift. My condolences to you and your family.
Eileen

May 26, 2014

I’ve been hurting for my loss of a good friend, we’ve stayed in touch via telephone since my move to Oregon. Wish I was there now to give you all a hug and to stand beside you in your loss. Becky, Missy and all the family – you are in my thoughts and prayers at this time. May the Lord give you comfort & peace at this sad time. Much sympathy, Katherine Nordstrand

May 26, 2014

My deepest sympathies to Claire’s family. God will lead you through this difficult time and help you remember the wonderful woman I’m sure she was.
Lesa Whiteford, Enviroscan

May 26, 2014

Dear Becky and Missy. and family,
I just read the news of your Mom’s passing and am so saddened to learn of her death. I worked with Claire at Findley and we became close friends during those years but sadly, we lost touch with each other these past years. She was truly a very dear, sweet and loving person and will be missed by many. She had a special gift from God and embraced all she met with love. Take care and know that my thoughts and prayers go with you and your family.
Lori Suter

May 25, 2014

Dear Becca,
You are in my thoughts and prayers. May your memories of a wonderful mother give you comfort during these days of mourning. May the testimony of her life continue to live on through you.
Sincerely,
Mr. Cashman

May 24, 2014

Having met Claire and her siblings when we were all young and she lived on Nolt Road – Claire and I reconnected when she worked at one of my clients. It was so nice to catch up with her again and we have stayed in touch since. She was inspiring, and we had many discussions about our faith. She always had a smile, regardless of the situation. Even when she came to share her illness with me last year. My thoughts are with all of the family. I celebrate her life even though I cannot attend her service. Blessings, Val (Roye) Aubry

May 23, 2014

Dear Julie and family –
Our deepest sympathy and and sincencere condolences. As your sister, I know that she was an empathetic , caring and loving woman. Our thoughts and prayers are with you, today and in the days ahead.
Love,
Russ and Savalla

May 23, 2014

So sorry for your loss. Claire was a great person who always thought of others before herself. I met her some time ago.She was actually my massage therapists.Even after she no longer was working. We kept in touch by phone and we shared many stories about the things that happened in our lives. We had some good laughs. She will surely be missed by all that knew her. Her work for God is done here on earth and now she is home with him. There is no more pain and no more suffering for her now.
A Good Friend
Mary Ann Pauls

May 23, 2014

We are so sorry to hear this about Claire. What a full life and Stephen Ministry too! Our condolcences for your family now and in the future– Julie Bucher LCHS 1970 and Bill Barlow

May 23, 2014

To all the family and friends of dear Claire, my sincere condolences and deep sadness. I worked with Claire for a number of years and can honestly say it never felt like work. That smile. That sense of humor. That genuine caring aura you couldn’t help but feel when in her presence. The world lost a truly special person…God gained yet another angel. Godspeed, Claire. I know how much you will be missed…but always remembered and cherished for the caring, sweet, loving person you were here on earth…and will continue to be with the Lord.
God bless.
Jeff Snow

May 22, 2014

To Claire’s family,
I can’t find the word to express how I feel.
Love you all,
Mary Lynn Hobday DiPaolo

May 22, 2014

To the family of Claire-please know that Claire was in my thoughts and prayers. She was always very nice to me. I just read her obit-what a cool person she was-Peter Zanowski

Visitation: Saturday, May 24, 2014; 9:30 AM - 11:00 AM; Lancaster Alliance Church; 210 Pitney Road; Lancaster, PA 17602
Map and Directions: Get Maps and Directions >
Services: Saturday, May 24, 2014; 11:00 AM; Lancaster Alliance Church; 210 Pitney Road; Lancaster, PA 17602
Map and Directions: Get Maps and Directions >