Claire (Bouley) Sheen

Palmer resident, Claire Sheen, 93, died of natural causes Nov. 20, 2010, on the way to the hospital. Funeral services are at St Michaels Catholic church in Palmer at 1 p.m., Nov. 27.

Claire was born in Worchester, Mass. on March 15, 1917. She received an eighth-grade education and immediately started working in a sewing factory. Claire then worked for a local East Coast newspaper as a typesetter. During her job at the newspaper she met her husband Ron, whom she married on Oct. 24, 1942. Soon after, they moved to South Dakota. In 1972 she and her husband moved to Alaska to be near their only daughter Elaine and family.

Claire loved to sew, play cards and was involved with St. Michaels Catholic Church. Claire was one of the original founding members of Bishops Attic in 1975. She also served on the board for several years and was a working member until her death. Claire and Ron played a major role in bringing the Palmer Senior Center into reality in 1980. They were also part of the original 32 members that came up with the centers motto, “Seniors Helping Seniors.” Claire spent her life not only as a wife, mother and friend but working with various organizations and groups as a volunteer.

“Claire was a wonderful caring mother and grandmother. She was also a wonderful friend and neighbor to many, always with an upbeat and positive attitude toward life. She will be missed by so many,” her family said.

Claire was preceded in death by her parents; husband Ron; her sister and twin, Olive Benson; and brothers Norman Bouley, Charles Bouley; and sister Beatrice Curran.

Survivors include her daughter, Elaine Ridderman; grandson Eric Ridderman; and granddaughter Leah Hedberg; great grandchildren Andrew and Stephanie Ridderman-Nohl; and many nieces and nephews.