Claire Ellen Cecilia Amos-Enns
July 27, 1952 - September 24, 2016
Claire Ellen Cecilia Amos-Enns ~ Proud mother and even prouder 'Grammy'
Claire Ellen Cecilia Amos-Enns passed peacefully at home on Saturday, September 24th with family at her side. She was born July 27, 1952 in Oxnard, California to Marion C (Mauberret) Amos and James T Amos. As a child, she lived in California and Panama before moving to Houma, LA with her mother and sister. She graduated from Vandebilt Catholic High School in 1970. In 1972, she met Vern Enns in Colorado Springs, CO while both were working at Penrose Hospital. They relocated to the Seattle area in 1974 and were married on October 11 of that year. Clare was the proud mother of three children, and even prouder “Grammy” to three grandchildren.
Claire graduated from Shoreline Community College’s medical laboratory technology program in 1977. Between 1977 and 2007, she worked in labs at a number of local hospitals and clinics including Ballard Hospital, Northwest Hospital, and more than 20 years at Group Health Cooperative. In 1990, she completed her Bachelors of Science in Psychology at Seattle University.
Claire’s love for travel began as a child on summer road trips in the US with her mother and sister. As an adult, she enjoyed global travel and was proud to have visited all but two continents. She appreciated all modes of travel from luxury ocean cruises to motorcycle sidecars in Barcelona to camels in the Middle East. Her favorites included river cruises in both Egypt and Germany, the Baltic Sea, the Norwegian Fjords, and a three-week trek through the Himalayas. She loved to immerse herself in global culture; visiting museums, experiencing scenic wonders, connecting with inhabitants of the region, and enjoying local cuisine were all highlights of her journeys.
Claire was a voracious reader who always appreciated a good mystery novel. She loved music of all genres, including the Beatles, Broadway show tunes, singer-songwriters, and classical music. She had an extensive album collection mostly acquired between 1967 and 1972. In later years, she was very involved with the Lynnwood Senior Center and appreciated the day trips to a variety of local destinations. She enjoyed the outdoors in the Pacific Northwest, and loved camping, hiking, and sightseeing.
Claire was involved in a number of community organizations. She volunteered with the Seattle Crisis Clinic from 1985 to 1990. She was active in supporting a Lynnwood Boy Scouts troop from 1994 to 2001, culminating in a trip to Philmont, New Mexico. She volunteered with Group Health hospice between 2002 and 2007.
For over nine years, she endeavored to be living well with cancer after her March 2007 diagnosis. Because of her medical experience, she strived to be a “good” patient and responsive to her healthcare team. She had the utmost respect and appreciation for her care providers including the Cancer Care team and the Oncology Infusion Center staff at Group Health Central. She greatly appreciated her involvement with Cancer Lifeline in Seattle. Her active membership in the Metastatic Cancer Group provided strong support and comfort.
Claire is survived by her husband of nearly 42 years, Vernon Enns of Lynnwood, WA; her children, Erin Enns Hauk (Randall), Ellen Enns Higgins (Joel), and James Enns; grandchildren Owen Hauk, Henry Hauk, and Elena Higgins; sister Catherine (Bill) Luciano of St Louis, MO; and cousins Beverly Geraghty, George McKimmie, Joellen Childs, John Flamish, and Marjorie Deano.
FUNERAL INFORMATION
A Funeral Mass in honor of Claire will be held on Tuesday, October 11 at 11 am at Holy Rosary Edmonds, 630 7th Ave N, Edmonds, WA 98020.
DONATIONS
Donations in Claire's memory may be made to Cancer Lifeline or Evergreen Hospice.