Obituary of CLAIRE JUDITH GOLDSTEIN

Claire Judith Goldstein, 89, of Parsippany, NJ died peacefully on Sunday, Sept. 14, 2014 at Care One at Hanover. She was a fiercely independent woman who had a zest for life and a generous heart for her family, friends, and neighbors. She was born on August 15, 1925 and grew up in Brooklyn, NY as the only daughter of Morris Goldstein and Ida Grossman Goldstein, a Russian immigrant who took in laundry to make ends meet. Claire's humble beginnings didn't stop her from pursuing her love of fashion, which led her to working in her cousin Estelle Peck's dress shop in Laurelton, NY in 1950. She later bought the shop and created ClaireMar Salon in Lake Hiawatha, NJ, where clients would not only buy dresses, but ask Claire for fashion advice. She was also an accomplished seamstress who created beautiful needlework, knitting, and crocheted items. Aside from her sewing talents, Claire became a matchmaker through the shop by introducing her brother, Sol, to one of her customers, Connie Borrok, the woman he would marry only two months later. After closing ClaireMar in 1985, Claire went on to work at Automatic Switch (ASCO Valve) in Florham Park from which she retired in 1990. Throughout her life she remained active in local political affairs and enjoyed a robust retirement, including taking trips and attending shows with her close circle of friends. Claire was preceded in death by her three brothers, Larrry, Sol Goldstein, and William Goldstein who died in childhood. She was a beloved aunt and great-aunt to Larry and Sol's children and grandchildren, and a treasured friend to many who knew firsthand of her willingness to help those in need. in lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests donations to the American Cancer Society, 7 Ridgedale Avenue, Cedar Knolls, NJ 07927