Claire Siegenthaler Proto, age 52, passed away Tuesday, October 29th, 2024 at home surrounded by friends and family and love.
Claire was born December 31,1971 in Mansfield, Ohio to Thomas Reid and Pamela Heifner Siegenthaler. She grew up with her older sister Geneva on Shepard Road, a special place full of families and many children.
Attending Woodland Elementary School just around the corner from her home, Claire expanded her circle of friends, many of whom remained loyal and supportive throughout her life. She attended Johnny Appleseed Middle School and Malabar High School. Always excelling academically, Claire was Co-Valedictorian in 1990 of the first combined graduating class of Mansfield Senior High School. During her youth, Claire was an accomplished musician, playing the violin, viola, piano and clarinet in the school orchestra and band, and the Mansfield Symphony Youth Orchestra. She enjoyed swimming at The Woodland Club, and during high school was a member of the swim team and tennis teams.
Following her father and sister, Claire attended Denison University in Granville, Ohio with a full academic scholarship awarded to Ohio valedictorians. There she met her freshman roommate and formed a wonderful friendship, rooming together all four years of college. She studied abroad in Botswana during her Junior year and in 1994, she was graduated with honors from Denison University earning a Bachelor of Arts, having created her own major in Environmental Studies.
After a short time living in Denver, Colorado, Claire returned to Ohio and enrolled in Ashland University’s Education Bachelor’s Plus Program. There she met her future husband, Jefferson Kingsley Proto. Earning a Special Education Certificate in 2000, Claire went on to teach for the Mansfield City Schools for over 20 years. Throughout those years helping her students achieve, Claire modeled kindness and tenacity to her students and colleagues.
On June 16, 2001, Claire and Jeff married, sharing interests in teaching, traveling and biking, with many adventures on their tandem bicycle. Most important and meaningful to both of them was raising their two wonderful sons, Frederick Arthur “Fred” Proto and John Oscar “Jack” Proto. She loved her three “boys”, although at times it could be challenging being the only female in their home. Cooking together as a family, spending time at their farm on Riggle Road, watching OSU football games, and picnicking at Grampy’s Cabin were all special times. In addition, Claire enjoyed hosting visits with her in-laws, Larry and Sue Proto in Ohio, and vacationing at their home on Hilton Head Island.
Claire’s most treasured place was her maternal grandparent’s cottage on Torch Lake, Michigan. Memorable times were spent swimming, boating, hunting Petoskey stones, playing games, and watching sunsets with extended family. Claire and friends, especially “her girls” as she affectionately referred to them, would have weekends at Torch Lake and other special adventures traveling. She cherished her friendships and regularly met with friends for meals, cards, laughter, and sometimes tears, sharing the ups and downs of life. A testament to her compassionate nature, she took time to send handwritten notes of encouragement and appreciation to family, friends, and her students. Hosting her sister and parents for competitive games of bridge was also a fun and regular activity.
Claire was diagnosed with scoliosis as a child and with Friedreich’s Ataxia in her twenties. Despite these challenges she did not stop leading a full life. She faced her many health matters including cancer, bravely and with an inner strength, while never complaining. She taught us all about making the most of life. Her determination allowed her to maintain her physical abilities and independence up until her final weeks.
Claire was a mother, wife, daughter, sister, and friend and she taught us many life lessons while inspiring, encouraging and loving us. She will be greatly missed. Although her body was worn down, her mind was amazing. On a lovely fall day we said goodbye to our beautiful Claire. May she find comfort and peace in God’s grace.
Claire is survived by her husband, their sons, her parents, her sister Geneva and husband Bruce Cummins (nephew Thomas and niece Emma), her father-in-law, Lawrence Albert Proto, sister-in-law Lori Proto, sister-in-law Lisa Proto and husband Jason Cabrarra (nephew Sebastian), brother-in-law Eric Smith and wife Susan (nieces Rachel and Courtney), and beloved aunts, uncles, and cousins including John and Sondra Siegenthaler, (cousins Jennifer, Anne and John). Daniel and Jodi Siegenthaler, (cousins Amanda and Amy); Jonathan and Etoile Holzaepfel, (cousins Erica and Peter); and Celeste Turcotte, (cousin Patrick). She was preceded in death by mother-in-law Susan Vassar Proto, uncle Donald Turcotte, grandparents Frederick R. and Geneva C. Heifner and Thomas A. and Clara H. Siegenthaler.
In celebration of Claire’s life, a gathering will be held on Saturday, November 30th from 10am-12pm in Blymyer Hall at the First Congregational Church, 640 Millsboro Road, Mansfield, Ohio.