Claire Helm Johnson

Born January 9, 1937 in Palo Alto, CA to C. Hugo and Hildegarde Helm. Passed away on January 4, 2014 at the age of 76 in Glen Ivy, California. She is survived by her husband of 56 years Miles J. Johnson, her children Grant (Elise) of Manhattan Beach, CA, Sandy (Tahmus Rounds) of Topanga Canyon, CA and Ryan (Christy) of Scottsdale, AZ. She has 5 grandchildren. Also survived by her sister, Joyce (Michael) Carney of Sunnyvale, CA and 4 nieces and 2 nephews. Claire graduated from Palo Alto High School and attended the University of Oregon for 2 years. After she married Miles, they both attended San Jose State University, where she graduated in 1958 and received her teaching credential. Claire retired from the Cupertino Union School District, as a teacher, both part-time and full time. She taught at Kennedy and Hyde Jr. High Schools primarily as a Home Economics teacher, but also taught English, Social Studies, Yearbook, and briefly, Physical Education all in line with her reputation: “Claire can do anything!” When she neared retirement, she would proudly proclaim, “Ive been in the 7th grade for 32 years!” Claire was a community volunteer most of her adult life. After moving from Sunnyvale to the Villages in San Jose, she was involved in many community activities in the Villages, including one year as the Captain of the Villages Womens Golf Club. Claire and Miles moved to a senior community in Southern California to be closer to their children in 2002. In the Trilogy at Glen Ivy community, she was once again active in many community projects and activities. She was a founding member and President of the first Womens Golf Club at Trilogy. She enjoyed mahjong, dominos, cards with many friends. She was the leading force in establishing a lending library in the Trilogy community. She served as a welcoming Ambassador, a member of the landscaping committee and on the TGIS board. She was truly loved by her family and the many friends that she made in her life, and she will be greatly missed. Donations in her memory can be made to the American Cancer Society.