Obituary: Quiel, Claire Anne
Age 78
QUIEL,
Claire Anne
(Curran)
Claire Quiel rested peacefully her final days at Hospice House in Spokane, WA surrounded by her loving family.
Sadly, in the early morning of January 20, 2016, Claire slipped from this earthly life into the loving arms of her heavenly Father at the age of 78.
Claire was born July 27, 1937 in Detroit, MI.
As the first-born child of Gladys and Clarence Curran, Claire enjoyed the favor of her loving parents along with her younger brother, Robert Curran.
In 1948 at the age of 11, Claire and her family moved west to Santa Cruz, CA, which she proudly claimed as her “home town.”
She shared many funny stories about the Boardwalk, saltwater taffy from Marini’s, and teenage antics with her life-long friends from Holy Cross School.
In 1953 Claire attended San Jose State College majoring in Early Education.
Despite the untimely death of her father during her freshman year, Claire was the first in her family to graduate from college in 1958.
She began teaching kindergarten in the Bay Area until she met and married her former husband, Robert Quiel.
In 1968 the Quiel family relocated to Spokane, WA to raise their young family, a move Claire never regretted.
Despite arriving during the worst snowfall in Spokane history, she loved Spokane with all of her heart.
Claire dedicated her early years in Spokane to her children, serving as a volunteer at Indian Trail School.
On the weekends she enjoyed skiing and camping with her adventurous family.
In 1976 Claire returned to teaching at St. Thomas Moore, Balboa, and eventually, Woodridge Elementary School.
While working full time, Claire earned a Master’s Degree at Gonzaga University.
Learning was always interesting and engaging to Claire whether through travel or reading.
In 2002 Claire retired from the profession that fed her soul: teaching young, inquisitive minds.
She spent the remainder of her days socializing with her many teaching friends, volunteering in the community, and enjoying her dear grandchildren: Kristen, Colin, Bradley, Alexandra, Kelsey, Kourtney and Paige.
Claire is survived by her brother, Robert Curran, UT; her children, Michael Quiel (Victoria) of Phoenix, AZ and Julie Morin of Spokane, WA; and her seven beloved grandchildren.
Funeral mass will be celebrated in honor of Claire’s life at St. Aloysius Church, Gonzaga University, on February 13, 2016 at 11:00 AM.
Reception is to follow at the Knights of Columbus, 330 E. Boone Ave, Spokane WA.
Inurnment will take place at Queen of Peace Catholic Cemetery, Spokane, WA.
Memorial gifts may be sent to ADK Quiel Scholarship Fund, c/o ADK - Rho, 118 E. Donna Ct., Spokane, WA 99218.
Arrangements have been entrusted to: