Claire Jean O'Brien Claire Jean (Larson) O'Brien, born on

Claire Jean O'Brien Claire Jean (Larson) O'Brien, born on September 2, 1950, in Santa Fe, New Mexico, departed this world for her heavenly home on February 7, 2025, surrounded by family and love. She was the cherished daughter of Barbara Jean Larson and Donald Anthony Larson of Los Alamos, New Mexico. Claire's journey through life was marked by profound love, unwavering faith, an enduring passion for the Lord, conservation, and environmentalism. Raised in Los Alamos, New Mexico, her passion for nature blossomed while exploring and playing in the beautiful canyons that were her backyard. After graduation, she moved to Las Cruces, New Mexico, to attend college at New Mexico State University. It was here that she met the love of her life, John O'Brien. While John finished school, Claire taught in Maxwell, NM, but this did not slow down their plans for life together. Their love blossomed into a beautiful union as they married in the fall of 1973 at Sawyers Hill in the majestic mountains of northern New Mexico. Together, they built a life filled with love and a strong faith in the lord. Eventually, John's work moved them to Woodbridge, Virginia, where they welcomed their two daughters, Moriah and Norah. In Virginia, Claire worked for the local newspaper, was an active member of both her community and her church, hosted many prayer groups, volunteered at the library, was a Girl Scout troop leader, and a friend to all. However, her greatest passion in life was being a mother to Moriah and Norah. She actively worked to bring their education to life, volunteered to help with extracurricular activities, was their biggest cheerleader, and felt overwhelming pride in their achievements and character. After years of creating precious memories with their friends and family, Claire and John retired to Colorado to embrace the serenity of nature. Here Claire embraced retirement by climbing 13,000- and 14,000-foot peaks, hiking daily, being active in her church, traveling with her sisters, laughing with her wonderful group of friends, and spending precious time with her husband, children, and close family. Later, they returned to Virginia to be closer to their children, where Claire peacefully entered eternal life. Claire will always be remembered for the joy she radiated while she danced her way through life without compromising her unwavering faith in the lord, strong convictions, kind spirit, steadfast dedication to her family, and nurturing love as a mother, friend, sister, and wife. Her presence was a beacon of care and compassion to all who knew her. She was reunited in heaven with her parents, Donald and Barbara Larson, step-father Raymond Eugene Tate, her sister Karen A. Larson-Mariner, brother-in-law John Baser, and in-laws W.J. (Jack) and Roberta Louise (Bobby) O'Brien. Claire is survived by her devoted husband of over 50 years, John O'Brien, her daughters Moriah O'Brien of Washington, DC, and Norah O'Brien of Peoria, IL, her siblings Kathleen Larson of Los Angeles, CA, Glenn Larson of Jemez, NM, Rebecca Baser of Belen, NM, Eric (Debbi) Larson of Jemez, NM, Braddon (Laurel) Larson of Basalt, CO, Curt (Flor) Larson of Aspen, CO, brother-in-law Christopher O'Brien of Denver, CO and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Her family, friends, and all who loved her will continue to remember the extraordinary life Claire lived. A celebration of life for Claire will be held at 10 a.m. on June 21, 2025, at the Sheriff's Posse Lodge at 650 North Mesa Road in Los Alamos.