April 23, 1937 – February 3, 2022
Clare was born and raised in Raymond, WA. Her father was a member of the Chinook and Quinault Indian Nations. He was a commercial fisherman by trade and her mother was a homemaker and also worked in the local sawmills. She had one younger brother that predeceased her by 2 years to the day. He had two boys that she loved dearly and truly enjoyed visiting with every chance she got. Their families were precious to her.
She was immensely proud of her family and her heritage despite the challenges of growing up bi-racial in a small town in the 1940’s and 1950’s. She was an avid reader and loved music of all genres. Books and music were the cornerstones of her life.
Following graduation from Raymond High School in 1955 she attended Northwest Bible College (now Northwest University) in Seattle for 3 years before she left to get married and have children. They moved to the Kirkland area in 1967 that became her home town.
Children: Two daughters and 2 sons in-law: Claudette & Van Christensen and Cherie & Joe Hensdell
Grandchildren: Dane Christensen, Tammie Christensen and Jenna Hensdell McLane
Great Grandchildren: Wyatt and Kaitlyn
Nephews: Donny Waine & Daniel Waine.
She was blessed to meet a very special man, Dennis Beinke, with whom she shared her final few years. They looked out for one another and
loved each other very much. We are happy that he’s part of our family.
Work: She spent several years working for Boeing, Credit Companies and Banks before “retiring” to her true vocation as an antique dealer where she spent the last 25 years doing what she loved best – shopping for bargains and selling her treasures at her spaces in local antique malls or in booths at flea markets. She loved antiques and talking to people about her choice finds!
One of her great passions was her charities. Growing up she aspired to be a missionary to help others. Though her life took another path, she always gave generously of her time, talent and money – regardless of what she had. She volunteered twice a week for more than 15 years at a local thrift store where the sale proceeds of donated items went to charity. She used her knowledge as an antique dealer to sort and price incoming items. She knitted more than 500 scarves for the homeless, assembled hygiene kits for the mission, bought treats & trinkets year-round for shoeboxes for the annual Operation Christmas Child of Samaritan’s Purse. Wounded Warriors, ASPCA and St. Joseph’s Indian School are a few of the many other special causes she loved and supported throughout her life.
Her greatest passion though were her children, and we are eternally grateful for her, the gifts she gave us and the time we had with her.
We each would like to share a special memory of mom:
Claudette:
Mom taught me to be curious and to explore things which gave me a thirst for knowledge. She introduced me to reading and how it can transport a reader to a different time or place. She taught us about different cultures and how to be accepting of everyone from an early age. She wanted to be a missionary and had a heart for service. She would knit scarves and always be on the lookout for hygiene kit items or trinkets for shoeboxes in her business shopping. She was gifted at crocheting and knitting. She made beautiful items that she gave away to special people in her life. One year she knitted me a full Barbie wardrobe and felt bad that she couldn’t afford the “real thing”. I treasure those pieces to this day. They are priceless. Thanks mom.
Cherie:
Mom taught me resilience. No matter what you encounter in life you find your best path and keep moving forward – don’t stop. She showed me that not all paths are meant for you and that you must choose one that is yours and accept the outcome. When you have the gift of resilience, you never fail – only change direction. It is empowering. This gift was the foundation of my battles with cancer. It enabled me to navigate the daunting landscape of emotions and mental challenges that go with the disease. She was also a staunch supporter and there each step of the way. I also highlight her gift of service to others and the joy that it brought to our family. As children she would include us in her service activities, so we grew up with a broad range of people in different circumstances and learned to be accepting of everyone regardless of their lot in life. We had great times visiting, play with, singing to or just holding someone’s hand because they are lonely. We never thought it was different or special – it was normal and something we both still carry with us to this day. Thanks mom.
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