Claire Adeline Carr [15145] ¹³¹

  General Notes:

Reference:
Information provided by Leslie William May.

Birth Details:
Claire was born on 23 October 1938 at St David's District Hospital, Maffra, Victoria. She was christened Claire Adeline Carr in the Catholic Church, Maffra.

Christian Names:
Anecdotal evidence indicates that Claire was given her first name after an old friend of her father's. Adeline was after her paternal grandmother.

Education:
Initially she attended Riverslea Public School, Victoria, working at the primary level. Thereafter she attended the Maffra High Elementary School for Ladies. She was always an outstanding student.

Marriage:
Married by banns to Leslie William Laurence May on 25 November 1961. They were married in the St Paul's Church, Frankston, Victoria. The ceremony was conducted by Albert George Church, a Priest of the Church of England.

Occupation:
Commenced work as an Real Estate Agent's Receptionist at Maffra.

On moving to Melbourne, she assisted her mother in the family Boarding House at St Kilda (St Kilda Road) before taking up duties as an Hotel Receptionist.

In 1960/61, Claire lived at Mornington, Victoria, and was employed as follows:

. 1960/61, Receptionist at the Royal Hotel.

. 1961/62, Receptionist at Mornington Motors.

After marriage she moved to Adelaide with Les:

. 1962/63, Front Office, Clerk/Receptionist for Smith's Printing Works.

When the family moved to Canberra, A.C.T., employed as follows:

. Part time drink waitress at the Commodore Hotel.

. Pat Time Sandwich Bar Assistant.

. Pre-School Assistant, MacGregor.

. Special Schools Assistant, Cranley Special School.

. In 1980, commenced full time work at Copland College, Melba, as Front Office Assistant.

. About 1984, transferred to Melba High School as Special Schools Assistant, where she remained until her death in 1994.

Comment:
She was always a dutiful and dedicated employee, who has been warmly remembered by all who came in contact with her, in particular the pupils and staff of Melba High School.

Sport:
Claire loved all animals, in particular horses. As a very young woman, she participated in equestrian events at Maffra, Victoria.

Played both basketball and netball. In Canberra, she was coach of a Melba High School Girls Netball team. Obtained referee qualifications and was called upon to referee a number of games between other schools.

She played a very good game of social tennis.

Issues:
Linda Helen, Peter Leslie and Gregory Robert William.

Personal Characteristics:
Fair complexion, red hair with hazel eyes. An attractive woman with a vibrant personality. She had a very wide circle of loyal friends, and was described by some as the sort of person who exuded a never to be forgotten aura of warmth.

Claire was a very hard working and dedicated woman, who gave wholeheartedly to her children, family and friends. No task was too hard for her. She was always a very loving and caring wife to Leslie.

Claire died of secondary complications from ovarian cancer on 20 November 1994. At her request, she was buried in the Catholic Section of the Hall, A.C.T., Bush Cemetery, on 24 November 1994 - just one day short of her thirty fourth wedding anniversary. The service was conducted in the St Francis Xavier, Catholic Church, Hall, and later at the graveside, by Father Michael Mullen, a Priest of the Catholic Church - this was her wish.

Comment:
Claire's funeral was well attended by her family, relations, many friends, staff and pupils of Melba High School and Copland College. There were in attendance an estimate of more than 200 people. 156 signatures were collected in the Attendance Book, but many were unable to gain access to the small church and failed to register.

Claire married Living