Claire Kathryn “Nana” Kirkland passed away peacefully in her sleep on Sunday, March 23, 2025, at The Halifax Hospice Facility in Orange City, Florida. She was born on August 3, 1932, in Malden, Massachusetts, the youngest child of Gordon and Isabelle (MacDonald) Young.

Claire pursued her passion for nursing at Peter Bent Brigham Hospital from 1950 to 1953. She took great pride in her alma mater, often sharing that The Brigham was the site of the first successful kidney transplant and the second-largest teaching hospital of Harvard Medical School.

In 1961, Claire moved to Merritt Island, Florida, where she spent most of her life. She was deeply involved in her community, particularly supporting her three sons' activities, from baseball to football and wrestling. She played a key role in East Merritt Island Little League as the original concession stand organizer, even storing candy at her home for three years.

A dedicated bridge player, Claire enjoyed the game three days a week until just two months before her passing.

Claire was an active member of the Grace United Methodist Church on Merritt Island. She frequently volunteered her time to support church functions.

She is survived by her three sons and daughters-in-law: Gordon and Lindy Kirkland of Winter Park, Florida; Dwayne and Karen Kirkland of Orange City, Florida; and Richard and Lynda Kirkland of Fort Worth, Texas. She is also survived by five grandchildren: Ryan and Amanda Tenuta of Sarasota, Florida; Tyler and Diane Kirkland of Amsterdam, Netherlands; Trevor Kirkland of Charleston, South Carolina; Courtney Kirkland of Winter Springs, Florida; and Kyle Kirkland of Winter Springs, Florida. Additionally, she leaves behind three great-grandchildren: Fiona, Charlotte, and Cyrus. Claire was the last of her generation in both the Young and Kirkland families.

A celebration of life will be held at the Moose Lodge on Merritt Island on Saturday, April 12, from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

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