Beloved Claire Esther Barnum passed away peacefully at home on Jan. 26, 2022 surrounded by her loved ones.

Born in Astoria on Oct. 6 to Sibyl and Paul Barnum, Claire and her family moved to Springfield in 1987. True to the meaning of her name, Claire brought light to everyone around her through her smile, her laugh, and her steady presence. Claire jumped into life with her whole self. She was passionate about music, playing piano and flute and singing. She loved to see live music, watch live music, listen to music, and be a part of music. As she said, “Music is life.” She was also an accomplished painter.

Her greatest love was her two children, Jacob Paul (15), and Anabelle Renee (13). Claire loved everything about being a mother and was an enthusiastic cheerleader at whatever sport, activity or hobby Jacob and Annie pursued, from martial arts to baseball to cheerleading to basketball. She never missed an opportunity to be their champion. She also loved her two bonus children, Hayden and Jack. As a family of six and with their dog Huckleberry, they loved to find new experiences that brought them closer.

Claire and her life-partner Matt had a profound love. They found each other later in life, and were instantly drawn to the other. They shared a passion for travel, music, experiencing new adventures, and engaging in civic life in Lane County and beyond. Matt loved to surprise Claire with meaningful gifts that celebrated their love such as a special edition of her favorite book, “The Time Traveler’s Wife” or a set of prints of the Voyager Golden Records.

Claire was a devoted daughter, sister and friend. She was the youngest of a trio of sisters who loved nothing more than to laugh and hold each other while singing and dancing and sharing life’s ups and downs. To her parents, Claire was their joy and delight, a source of love and inspiration. Her best friend Abbey Cummings was Claire’s soulmate and source of strength.

Claire graduated from Springfield High School in 2000 and the University of Oregon in 2006 with a bachelor’s degree in education. In December 2019, she was honored as one of the Eugene Area Chamber of Commerce’s 20 under 40 young professionals. Claire worked for EWEB for 15 years and most recently served as the Executive Director for Downtown Eugene Inc. and a consultant to the Commercial Investment Division of Lane County. Claire volunteered for and helped lead the Walterville Elementary School parent teacher organization for several years. 

Claire leaves behind her two children, Jacob and Anabelle Lloyd, her life-partner Matt Sayre and his children Hayden and Jack Sayre, parents Paul and Sibyl Barnum, sisters Lisa Barnum Field and Andrea Barnum Shunk, nieces and nephews Judson, Alice and Layla, and scores of dear friends. Diagnosed with breast cancer three years ago, her valiant fight gave her time with loved ones. Her passing leaves a hole in the hearts of those who knew and loved her. We know Claire would want all of those who loved her to continue to celebrate family, laughter, joy, music and all of life’s moments that bring us closer together.

In lieu of flowers, Claire’s family asks you to support her final wish of securing her children’s futures through a college fund. You can donate here. Her family will arrange a Celebration of Life this spring. Subscribe on Claire’s memorial website for details when they are announced. 

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