Obituary of Claire Blackwood

Claire Blackwood Claire Blackwood was called home to the Lord on July 8, 2009. She died peacefully at home with her daughter and son-in-law by her side. Claire was born to Ramon and Rosalia Baldonado on May 1, 1921, in Tularosa, New Mexico. She was the third of seven children in a hardworking family of modest means, and had many fascinating tales to tell of living through the “great depression.” In her early days she lived in several New Mexico locations, eventually settling in Albuquerque. At 17 she married and began raising her family. When she was young she discovered a talent for hair styling and spent the majority of her working life in that industry. Her first salon was the “Beauty Box” in Albuquerque. During WWII she took a side-step from the beauty business to be “Rosie the Riveter” at Douglas Aircraft in California. In the 1960’s she moved to Carson City, Nevada, where she was the owner/operator of “Claire’s Beauty Salon.” She and her daughter Cindy came to the Olympia area in 1973. For a brief time she worked at the Miller’s department store salon in downtown Olympia before opening “Claire’s Coiffures” on Capitol Way. She truly enjoyed her customers, and many became dear friends over the years. She retired from hair styling in 1988, but never happy unless she was busy, she soon delved in to her hobby of oil painting. Her family and friends have many beautiful paintings to keep as treasured souvenirs of her creative spirit. Claire is preceded in death by her parents, husband, brothers Raymond (lost during WWII), Manuel (Mike) and Louis, sister Eleanor, son Richard, daughter Patricia, and grandchildren Dan and Theresa. She is survived by sisters Fina and Trini, daughter Cindy and son-in-law Daren, son Robert, and several grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren. Her family would like to thank Catholic Community Services and Providence Sound Home Care and Hospice and for the tender care that enabled her to remain at home. A rosary will begin at 11:15 a.m. at St. Michael Catholic Church, 1208 11th Ave SE, Olympia on Wednesday, July 15, 2009 with the funeral mass following at 12:00 noon.To leave condolences or a message for the family please click "View Guestbook" below