Claire Nicholson Behre

Claire Louise Behre, passed away suddenly on November 10, 2014 at her home in Seven Lakes. Funeral Mass will be 2:00 PM Friday at Our Lady of the Americas Catholic Church, with Monsignor Patrick McCabe officiating. She was born Claire Nicholson on July 19, 1933 in Hackensack, New Jersey and lived her childhood in Teaneck with her parents and one brother. She, and husband Roger, raised their family in New Providence, New Jersey and in 1993 after many years, decided to embrace retirement in Seven Lakes, North Carolina. She attended Fisher school in Boston and obtained her diploma in office management. Later in her life she worked for Lyons and Associates, talent agents, where she interacted with many of the popular entertainers of the time. Over the years she enjoyed volunteering in community theatre in both New Jersey and North Carolina and sang in the church choir. She was also known for her generous encouragement of the musicians in the family. She actively supported and cheered for her children’s numerous sports and activities, and was seen at many a PAL Football game “ringing the bell”, and tooting her air horn. In addition to being a spectator, she also participated as an accomplished bowler and tennis player. Her selfless nature was evident in her many hours volunteering with local hospitals, schools, and her church both in New Jersey and North Carolina. Faith in God and her belief in the power of prayer were evident in her life as well, and she generously supported the building of Our Lady of the America’s Church. Also important to her was her love of America. The July 4th celebrations were a highlight of the year at “Behre Manor”, and she was rarely seen without her American Flag pin. Most important to Claire was her family. Claire, the wife and mother, expertly synchronized the lives of her husband and 6 children. Her pride in her children and grandchildren was obvious to all who knew her. Over the last few years, she spent many hours watching movies and playing board games with her 11 grandchildren. She never hesitated to let them know how much she loved them, and was unfailingly generous with her time and resources whenever they needed anything. She is survived by her husband, Roger E. Behre of the home; 4 sons, Walter Behre of Moscow, ID, James Behre of John’s Creek, GA, Steven Behre of Sunset Beach, NC and Charles “Chip” Behre of Thousand Oaks, CA; daughter, Karen Halada of Middlesex, NJ; 11 Grandchildren, Casey, Amanda, Joseph, Walter, Patrick, Margaret, Thomas, Carson, Hayden, Alexandra and Tyler. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 PM Thursday at Briggs-Candor Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to her favorite charity, The Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758517, Topeka, Kansas 66675. Briggs-Candor Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.