Claire Margaret Keane

Claire Keane of Clayton, GA, died on Friday, July 20th, 2018; her 75th birthday.

Claire Margaret Keane was born in 1943 in College Park, MD. Daughter of Ignatius James Keane and Anna Mae Rover Keane. She is survived by her sisters, Kathleen Keane, Paula Lautzenheiser, and a brother, Kevin Keane; sisters-in-law, Cynthia Potesta Keane and Laura Meacham Keane; nieces, Meghan Keane and Liz Aune Sousa; and nephews, Paul Aune, J.K. Keane, and Julian Keane.

Claire graduated from the University of Maryland in early childhood education, was a proud Terrapin, and began her career teaching first grade. She continued her education in special education and learning disabilities at George Peabody College followed by a degree in school psychology from Georgia State University. Claire worked for the DeKalb County Schools in Georgia for many years as a school psychologist specializing in learning disabilities. Retiring to Rabun County in the Georgia mountains, she developed a private practice in family therapy. “Miss Claire” was beloved by the children throughout her career and had a passion for play therapy.

A Unitarian Universalist since college, Claire was a member of the UU Church of Atlanta and after retiring at the UU Fellowship of Franklin, NC and volunteered extensively at The Mountain in Highlands, NC, a UU camp and conference center. Her love of children extended to funding scholarships which provided a life-changing summer camp experience for numerous children.

Claire celebrated her Irish heritage. She loved Celtic music, prized her shillelagh walking stick and a drum, and often had a twinkle in her eye. A highlight was being able to travel to Ireland.

Memorial contributions may be sent to: the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Franklin, P.O. Box 1023, Franklin, NC 28744-1023 or The Mountain Retreat and Learning Center, P.O. Box 1299, Highlands, NC 28741.

Claire, we will always carry your memory in our hearts.