Claire Coleman Schweiker
January 26, 1932 ~ April 28, 2013
Claire C. Schweiker, 81, of McLean, Virginia, went to be with the Lord on April 28, 2013. Born on January 26, 1932, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, she was the daughter of the late John C. and Claire Binder Coleman, and the loving and devoted wife of Richard S. Schweiker, former U.S. Representative, U.S. Senator and Secretary of Health and Human Services in the Reagan Administration. She was valedictorian of Springfield Township High School in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania. In 1953, she graduated from Temple University, having majored in radio and television broadcasting. While at Temple, she was a member of Theta Sigma Upsilon (Alpha Gamma Delta) sorority. Claire was selected both Temple May Queen and Homecoming Queen. She also was chosen as the "Sweetest Coed" of the Philadelphia colleges. She received numerous awards from Temple, including being inducted into the School of Communications and Theatre Hall of Fame and honored as the first recipient of the Alumni in the Media Award.
In 1954, Claire realized her childhood dream of hosting a show for children by becoming "Miss Claire" on "The Romper Room," a daily, hour-long, live television program for pre-school children at Philadelphia TV station, WFIL. Her show was immensely popular, so the Philadelphia Inquirer ran an article about her in its Sunday magazine section. The article caught the eye of Blanche Schweiker, who gave it to her son Richard saying, "This is the kind of girl you should marry." Richard knew the article's writer and contacted him to set up a blind date. Six weeks after the date, knowing they had found the love of their lives, the two were engaged and enjoyed 57 years of marriage.
Claire was very active in her church and community. Claire and Richard deeply believed that they were put on earth to be of service to God and their fellow man. Her strong faith guided all aspects of her life. Her children and grandchildren fondly referred to her as their prayer warrior. As a member of St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Washington, DC, she served as the first woman president of the Church Council. Claire taught Sunday School and participated in and led various Bible studies and prayer groups with active involvement in Congressional Wives Fellowship, Senate Wives Outreach, and Cabinet Wives Fellowship.
Claire was a gifted and popular speaker, working with Washington, Inc., Potomac Speakers, and National Speakers' Forum. She often spoke about life in public service and her faith. Claire was on the board of The Medical College of Pennsylvania for over 30 years. She also chaired dozens of charities' events and was honored by many for her outstanding service. She enjoyed her memberships in the Congressional Club and International Club as well as Ladies of the Senate Red Cross. Claire was an avid and lengthy letter writer and also treasured spending time with family at the shore in Ocean City, NJ.
Her true passion was her family. In addition to her husband Richard, she is survived by her five children: Malcolm (Kathleen) of Oak Hill, VA; Lani (Bill Shelton) of Herndon, VA; Kyle (Jim Hard) of Fairfax, VA; Rich (Mary Michael) of Richmond, VA; and Kristi (Tom Carey) of Napa, CA. She also is survived by 23 grandchildren: Bennett, Ryan (Sarah), Patrick, Kevin, Collin, Sean, and Garrett Schweiker; Jessica, John, Ellie, and Sarah Shelton; Kelly, Chad, Savannah, and Christian Hard; Richard, Claire, and Michael Schweiker; and Rachel, Brett, Jack, Samantha, and Troy Carey. In addition, she is survived by her sister, Sandra Haasis of Plymouth Meeting, PA.
There will be a visitation with family at Money and King Funeral Home, 171 W. Maple Ave, Vienna, VA on Thursday, May 23 from 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM. The funeral service will be held at St. Paul's Lutheran Church, 4900 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, DC on Friday, May 24 at 11:00 AM. A service and interment will be held at Central Schwenkfelder Church and the Garden of Memories in Worcester, PA on Saturday, May 25 at 3:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation, 636 Morris Turnpike, Suite 3A, Short Hills, NJ 07078.
Funeral Home:
Money & King Funeral Home
171 W. Maple Ave.
Vienna, VA
US 22180
In 1954, Claire realized her childhood dream of hosting a show for children by becoming "Miss Claire" on "The Romper Room," a daily, hour-long, live television program for pre-school children at Philadelphia TV station, WFIL. Her show was immensely popular, so the Philadelphia Inquirer ran an article about her in its Sunday magazine section. The article caught the eye of Blanche Schweiker, who gave it to her son Richard saying, "This is the kind of girl you should marry." Richard knew the article's writer and contacted him to set up a blind date. Six weeks after the date, knowing they had found the love of their lives, the two were engaged and enjoyed 57 years of marriage.
Claire was very active in her church and community. Claire and Richard deeply believed that they were put on earth to be of service to God and their fellow man. Her strong faith guided all aspects of her life. Her children and grandchildren fondly referred to her as their prayer warrior. As a member of St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Washington, DC, she served as the first woman president of the Church Council. Claire taught Sunday School and participated in and led various Bible studies and prayer groups with active involvement in Congressional Wives Fellowship, Senate Wives Outreach, and Cabinet Wives Fellowship.
Claire was a gifted and popular speaker, working with Washington, Inc., Potomac Speakers, and National Speakers' Forum. She often spoke about life in public service and her faith. Claire was on the board of The Medical College of Pennsylvania for over 30 years. She also chaired dozens of charities' events and was honored by many for her outstanding service. She enjoyed her memberships in the Congressional Club and International Club as well as Ladies of the Senate Red Cross. Claire was an avid and lengthy letter writer and also treasured spending time with family at the shore in Ocean City, NJ.
Her true passion was her family. In addition to her husband Richard, she is survived by her five children: Malcolm (Kathleen) of Oak Hill, VA; Lani (Bill Shelton) of Herndon, VA; Kyle (Jim Hard) of Fairfax, VA; Rich (Mary Michael) of Richmond, VA; and Kristi (Tom Carey) of Napa, CA. She also is survived by 23 grandchildren: Bennett, Ryan (Sarah), Patrick, Kevin, Collin, Sean, and Garrett Schweiker; Jessica, John, Ellie, and Sarah Shelton; Kelly, Chad, Savannah, and Christian Hard; Richard, Claire, and Michael Schweiker; and Rachel, Brett, Jack, Samantha, and Troy Carey. In addition, she is survived by her sister, Sandra Haasis of Plymouth Meeting, PA.
There will be a visitation with family at Money and King Funeral Home, 171 W. Maple Ave, Vienna, VA on Thursday, May 23 from 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM. The funeral service will be held at St. Paul's Lutheran Church, 4900 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, DC on Friday, May 24 at 11:00 AM. A service and interment will be held at Central Schwenkfelder Church and the Garden of Memories in Worcester, PA on Saturday, May 25 at 3:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation, 636 Morris Turnpike, Suite 3A, Short Hills, NJ 07078.
Funeral Home:
Money & King Funeral Home
171 W. Maple Ave.
Vienna, VA
US 22180
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There is only one Claire; the definition of class and refinement. I was two weeks old when we first met on Perkiomen Ave. in Lansdale. She and Dick danced at my wedding. How beautiful still. My mother cherishes and shall forever have her dear letters in her beautiful handwriting. A lifelong and devoted family friend who meant so very much to us; most especially to my mother, Pat. She will live in our hearts always. Our love and condolences to the family from all of the Gum’s.
My deepest condolences on the loss of your mother. So many wonderful memories of the time we all lived near each other in Sumner. Happy days! Many times my mom would let me know she “ran into Claire Shweiker at the grocery store (or the hairdresser) and she asked about you girls”. Your mom was a beautiful lady, she will be missed.
Dear Kyle and all, I am so sorry of your Mom’s passing. What a dear, involved and wonderful woman she was and certainly has passed on her exceptional attributes to her daughter. Heaven has gained another angel. God bless you all – Steph Downer
I will Miss Aunt Claire so much. She was an amazing woman! I always looked forward to receiving her cards with the updates on the family. She will always be remembered. So sorry for your loss. Love, Cathy & Nathan Steele
I was blessed to have had Aunt Claire in my life. She truly was a remarkable lady. My best memories of her will be from the First Lady Luncheon when I got to stay at her house and we walked through the rooms and looked at all her pictures of the people and things she and Uncle Dick did in their many years as husband & wife. I was amazed by the stories she told me about some of the pictures. She lived a full and Blessed life. Will miss you Aunt Claire.
My deepest sympathies to the family, you are in my thoughts and prayers. Claire was a wonderful woman and will be greatly missed.
My deepest sympathies on the loss of your mother. Seeing her and Dick and many of you so recently brought back so many wonderful memories of summer and softball games and of how quickly things happen. I am truly sorry for your loss
Lani and Family- I consider myself blessed to have gotten to know your mom over the last several years. I know Jesus opened the gates and softly spoke Claire, My good and faithful servant Welcome Home! If you were lucky enough to gaze into her eyes you would see Love reflected back at you. I was always so happy to see her. You felt better after being around her. I got to know her when she asked me about getting Christmas Cards. I owned a stationery company. I was so impressed that she hand wrote over 1000 cards. She would spend the year looking for just the right words to say in her card. Always saying sweetly to those she loved so much- love each other and pray for each other and make sure you have a good relationship with God. The manner with which she chose those words says everything about her. They were never stern but always packed a punch in a kind and loving way.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to Dick and his wonderful family. Claire was a remarkable and lovely woman and a friend to everyone that she knew. She was thoughtful and kind in so many ways. We always looked forward to her wonderful cards and letters. We were privileged to know her as a friend, and as a dear wife of Dick and a loving mother to her children. She will be greatly missed by all.
I was very sorry to hear about Claire. She was a dear member in our International Club II. We had lovely conversations, and I always loved to get her experiences throughout the decades in Washington. I send the whole family my deepest condolences.
I fondly remember my times with Claire all those years ago when our husbands served in the U.S. Senate together. She was a lovely wife, mother, and friend. We will miss her dearly.
Dear Dick, I was sorry to hear of the sadness that has befallen you. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. Please accept my deepest condolences. With warm regard, Dick Murphy
Claire was loved by all of us in International Club II. She showed that a smile is the same in any language.
Mrs. Schweiker was the mother of my best friend, Lani. She was always kind and welcoming to me throughout the years. She was a great example of a good mother and lived a Christlike life.
Dear Dick – I was so sorry to hear about your loss. Claire was a charming lady. She would light up the room when she entered and will be missed by many. Sincerely, Jack
Dear Dick and Family,In our Deepest Sympathy May God’s love bring you peace and strength and may the love of family and friends comfort you during this sad time.we will miss Claire she will be in our hearts for ever.hugs and love, Betty and Dick
I’m very sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. May the Lord shine his loving grace on your family during this difficult time.
My memories of Claire and Dick go back so many eventful years. I only wish I could visit with Her Family and share my Happy Memories of a Unique and Truly Spiritual Human Being I shall be with you tomorrow,to bid Farewell to Lovely Claire in the very Church with Happy Schweiker Wedding Memories.
Claire has been a source of much joy since we moved to Washington in the 1990s. I always looked forward to seeing her at the Int’l Club luncheons–her bright smile was like sunshine in the room! She was the glue in our group having been one of the long time members, and I feel so fortunate to have known her. Larry and I send our warmest wishes to Senator Schweiker and the family. I am disappointed that I cannot attend the service because I have contracted a cold/cough that I don’t want to share with others. I know it will be a beautiful and prayerful celebration of her life of love and service.
I will especially miss Claire on her birthday for it is also mine– and we never failed to send each other cards and special messages. I and the world will miss her thoughtfulness and kindness and her faith. I was fortunate to have met Claire at St. Paul’s Lutheran and am only sorry I couldn’t be there for her service today. My deepest condolences to her entire, loving family.
Janet and I just returned from Europe and learned of Claire’s death. Such a vibrant woman! I’m so sorry Dick, but I can hear her clearly admonishing you to take good care of yourself. We’ll all miss her.