Obituary of Claire Eugene Kohler
Claire Eugene Kohler, a woman of remarkable strength, creativity, and adventure, passed away on January 4, 2026. Born in Orillia, Ontario, on April 15, 1930, she lived a life defined by her devotion to family and her willingness to take on new challenges. Whether it was earning her nursing degree in her 40s or paddling through Algonquin Park in her 80s, Claire approached life with determination and curiosity.
She is survived by her sons Brian, Erik (Wanda), and Christopher, as well as her daughter-in-law Debbie; her grandchildren Adam (Cindy), Nick (Sarah), Mark (Katie), Sara (Joel), Christopher (Natisha), Jodi (Jeff), and Aimee (Jason); and her great-grandchildren Lukas, Rowan, Quinn, Noah, Jonah, Hanna, Wyatt, and Cedar. She was predeceased by her son Michael,
daughter-in-law Sandy, the father of her boys, Carl, and her sisters Lesley and Luise.
After moving to St. Andrews, Claire spent much of her early life raising her boys and knitting for Cottage Craft. Once they were grown, she pursued her dream of becoming a nurse and graduated from the Saint John School of Nursing in 1977. She worked at Centracare, on Simms corner in St John, and at the Calais hospital, moved to BC and worked at Lions Gate Hospital in Vancouver, returning to Fredericton to work at DECH until retirement, in the Psychiatric departments at all locations. Her experience raising 4 "gentle men" in the wildness of 60's and 70's St Andrews, undoubtedly served as valuable training in that endeavor, with its' avid hockey culture, and Sunday afternoon Water Street wheelie contests provided by the local motorcycle gang ( fortunately the town has become more refined and sophisticated since then).
In her later years, Claire returned to St. Andrews, where her basement became a hub of creativity. She spent hours painting and teaching others the craft. She was also a Red Cross swimming instructor and a talented artist who stayed active for as long as she could. She took a memorable trip to China with her son Chris in 2007, which she embraced wholeheartedly in her late 70s. Her creativity went beyond painting; she was also known for her wonderful baking.
Her cookies, cakes, and other treats became beloved staples, enjoyed by everyone who walked through her door.
For her grandchildren, some of the fondest memories were made in St. Andrews, crafting together and exploring the shoreline while beachcombing.
Whether wearing her RN hat, holding a paintbrush or paddle, Claire truly lived every one of her 90-plus years to the fullest. Her strength, independence, and adventurous spirit will be deeply missed by all who knew her.
A huge thanks to the staff at Passamaquoddy lodge, it helps immensely to have a loved one treated with dignity and respect, especially when you know the end is near.
Arrangements in the care of Humphreys funeral home. There will be no visitation, and an interment ceremony will take place at St. Andrews rural cemetery in the spring.
