Claire Joan Tubbs-Swinton's Obituary
Claire Staten (Swinton) Tubbs passed away peacefully on July 24, 2020 in Dallas, Texas. Claire was born in Cleveland, Ohio, October 5, 1936 to parents Catherine and Harry Staten. She grew up in Lakewood, Ohio, graduating from Lakewood High School. Claire went on to Northwestern University earning two degrees, Education and Psychology, in only three years. She is preceded in death by husband Ronald Tubbs, the father of her three children, and her sons Bradley Tubbs and Matthew Tubbs. Claire is survived by her daughter Alicia Webb Licker. She was Mimi to her beloved grandchildren Taylor Webb, Dane Webb, and Madeline Webb. She was Sissy to her sister Gale Staten Nolan and nieces Cathryn Nolan, Beth Maryan, and Allison Isola, and nephews Mike Nolan, John Nolan, and Patrick Nolan, and by her stepson William Swinton.
Claire made her way to Richardson, Texas with her family and soon thereafter became a single mother following the death of her husband. She then founded a private preschool through kindergarten, Canyon Creek Day School in 1968. The school celebrated its 50th anniversary last year. Claire later made the decision to relocate the school to Plano so she could construct her own state-of-the-art building. It remains there today. Claire created the curriculum including music, dance, outdoor activities, Spanish and celebrations of holidays. Her philosophy, her creativity and love touched thousands of children through the years. Many students now are second generation. She leaves the school in the good hands of her talented and loving daughter, Alicia, who is Director, and her devoted staff and friends of many years, Denise Tatum Fields, Penny Knutson, and Lori Wilcox.
Claire was always busy with her many interests. She ice-skated and played tennis and golf for years. At Northwestern, where she was a Tri Delt, she often choreographed the musicals. She also had a brief modeling career. Claire had a flair for interior design. She always kept up with the latest trends, redecorating her home many times over the years, as recently as last year. She thoroughly enjoyed playing the stock market and successfully managed her own portfolio. With her knowledge of politics and current affairs she was always ready for a good conversation. Claire’s gift of inspiration and motivation was special, as was her generosity.
She will be so missed by so many.
A private memorial and celebration of Claire’s life will take place at a later time.
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