Claire Harris, of Ledyard, CT., a beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, nurse, and minister of the Methodist church, passed away peacefully, on August 1st at L&M Hospital in New London. She was 86 years old.

Born in 1936, Claire dedicated her life to the service of others, both in her community and abroad. A talented gardener, she had a special touch with plants and flowers, transforming her garden into a place of beauty and serenity. Her love for gardening reflected her nurturing spirit and her connection to nature's profound grace.

A devout member of the Methodist church, Claire became a minister, guiding others on their spiritual journeys. Her unwavering faith was an inspiration to all who knew her, and her gentle wisdom was a source of comfort and guidance.

Claire’s calling to serve extended beyond her local community, leading her to Africa to work on relief efforts. As a nurse and minister, she provided care, compassion, and spiritual support to those in need. Her time in Africa was a testament to her boundless empathy and her commitment to making a positive difference in the world. She is survived by her 4 children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, and a community of friends and loved ones who will cherish her memory.

She is survived by her four children, Linda Vincent (Rob), Richard Schmahl, David Schmahl (Debbie) and Matt Schmahl (Janet); her numerous grandchildren, Andrew, Sarah, Michael, Will, Kaitlyn, Kenny, Kelly, Jessica, Jamie, Jenna, Alicia, Kimberly, Jeffrey and Becca; and her great-grandchildren, Pia, Natasha, Patrick, Sam, Teddy, Margot Claire, Emery, Michael, Kaylee, Jaxon, Arianna, Kazmiera and Owen.

A memorial service will be held at Gales Ferry United Methodist Church at 10 Chapman Ln, Gales Ferry, CT 06335 at 1pm August 24th. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to United Methodist Church organization related to her interests, e.g., a church mission or humanitarian aid foundation.