Claire Lucile Otten Smith, our beautiful mother, went home to Heaven on June 17, 2024. She was born to the late Oscar and Lucile Otten on March 31, 1928 in Cincinnati, Ohio. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 66 years, Dr. Richard Lee Smith, her brother Fred Otten, and her granddaughter Amanda Smith. Claire attended the University of Cincinnati where she joined the sorority of Delta Delta Delta and earned a degree in teaching.
Through her sorority sister, Claire met Richard, and their love story began on the dance floor of a party. In 1954, they married in Nagoya, Japan where Richard served as a Captain and Medic in the Air Force. They then moved to Coral Gables, Florida where they raised four children together. Claire's love of dance and music from a young age inspired her to volunteer with the Miami Ballet Society. She enjoyed hosting events for this organization as well as dinners and an annual Kentucky Derby party for dear friends. Claire also enjoyed playing tennis and golf at the Riviera Country Club.
In 1995, Claire and Richard moved to The Plantation in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida and spent summers at Wildcat Cliffs in Highlands, North Carolina. There, Claire looked forward to hiking, painting, playing bridge with her friends, and attending local musicals. She loved visits from her grandchildren and was always ready for new adventures with them, such as tubing, gem mining, and exploring local towns. Claire's grandchildren will always cherish those memories with her and will carry on her legacy of her adventuresome spirit and warm heart.
Left to honor Claire’s memory are her children, Dr. Douglas (Pam) Smith, Dr. Philip (Candy) Smith, Julie Benz, and Stephanie (Tim) Parker as well as her grandchildren, Jamie Benz, Michelle (Shannon) Dunn, Greg (Jena) Parker, Colin (Eleanor) Parker, and Claire Parker.
Claire's family would like to thank all of the wonderful and compassionate caregivers with FirstLight Home Care and Wuesthoff Brevard Hospice and Palliative Care in Melbourne, Florida.
Funeral Services will be held on Tuesday, June 25, 2024 in the chapel at Ponte Vedra Valley Funeral Home. Visitation: 11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.; Chapel Service: 12:00-1:00 p.m.; Graveside Service: 1:00-1:30 p.m. A reception will immediately follow the graveside service.
Memorials may be sent to:
Wolfson Children’s Hospital, 800 Prudential Drive, Jacksonville, FL 32207 (904) 202-8000
Highlands-Cashiers Hospital, 190 Hospital Drive, Highlands, NC 28741 (828) 526-1200
“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”
Romans 8:28
