Clara Gertrude Kaufman AMHERST - Clara Gertrude (Moor) "Claire" Kaufman age 85 of Amherst and Halifax, passed away at the Victoria General Hospital, Halifax, on Sunday, January 14, 2007. Born in Amherst on May 22, 1921, she lived her life with an open, honest and sincere concern for the welfare of others, be they family, or unknowns. One did not have to know Claire on a personal basis to recognize and acknowledge that she was a willing caregiver and volunteer in and for those events and campaigns designed to foster and encourage improvement in the lives of the less fortunate members of Society. Claire never wore her chosen religion on her sleeve. Her guides in her life were her God and Lord. She endured, with grace and outward calm, life's many twists and turns. Ever mindful of God's message of faith, love and hope, Claire's favourite was love, since in her heart and mind love was the greatest message. It was, and is , a blending melange of the mind, the heart and the soul. Her childhood and teenage years were those of getting through school and preparing herself for the world of work. Claire was a matriculation graduate of Spring Street Academy and an honour graduate of St. Charles Commercial School. During World War II she was a secretary in the Engineering Department of Canada Car (produced the Anson plane). Subsequently she was employed as secretary to the Town of Amherst Water Commission. Claire left Amherst in 1943 as a war bride and was initiated into the frenetic changes of residence and environment occasioned by her husband's air force training. Unfortunately, he was declared missing in action in June 1944. From war bride in 1943 to war widow in 1944 - a traumatic experience. On April 5, 1945, more than sixty years ago, she married Lyon A. Kaufman of Amherst, and thereafter devoted over sixty years of life to her family. Claire was a long time member of Trinity St. Stephen's United Church in Amherst and gave willingly of her time to church events, canvassed on behalf of the Society for the Blind, the Heart and Stroke Foundation, the Cancer Society and the Salvation Army. She served a three year term as President of the lady Tweedsmuir Club followed by a one year term as President of the Amherst Ladies Skating Club. Her life was one of giving, not taking. Claire would never start a fight, but she would certainly fight for what was right. Her even disposition and concern for others were evident throughout her irreversible illness. The family extend their thanks and gratitude to Dr. Graeme Bethune whose compassionate and personal care contributed essential relief for Claire's medical condition; even to the extent that he made regular out of office visits to see and talk with Claire. As well, we cannot overlook the personal care and attention provided by VON and staff of Northwood Foundation and members of the Palliative Care staff on floor 7A of the Centennial Building of the VG Hospital. Thank you all. Claire was predeceased by her brother George Moor and her sister Doris Cameron. She will be sadly missed, and is survived by her husband Lyon, daughters , Diane Brown (Richard), Beecham Road, Kristene Handley (Clive), Halifax, granddaughters, Claire Ann MacNeill, Amherst, and Suzanne Lynne MacPhee (Tim), Tidnish, and her first cousin, Ena Crossman, Amherst. By personal request there will be no visitation. A memorial service will be held at Campbell's Funeral Home, 98 Church St, Amherst, (667-9906) on Wednesday, January 17, 2006 at 11:30 a.m. with Rev. Allan Griffin officiating. Donations in Claire's memory may be made to the IWK Hospital, Halifax, N.S. www.campbells-amherst.ca