Claire Balmert

Claire Jane (Gillivan) Balmert, a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother and great great grandmother,  passed away on Wednesday, Jan. 14, at Taylor Springs Health Campus. She was 90.
Claire’s life was defined by her dedication to her beloved family. Claire met Lee, her husband of 70 years, at 16 years old while attending St. Joseph’s Academy and dancing at Jack Sherrick Studio in Columbus’ Hilltop. They married at St. Aloysius Catholic Church on Aug. 7, 1954. After marrying Lee, Claire devoted herself to raising their four children, Tim, Mark, Mickey and Teri. Claire was always smiling, dancing, humming a tune and caring for others. She couldn’t say “no” to anyone, including the children who often came to her door to sell their rocks. After raising her children, Claire worked as a drapery seamstress for her good friend Mary Jayne Unger, a sales clerk at the F&R Lazarus department store, a proof clerk at National City Bank and a caterer’s assistant at Affairs by Beth. She was a dedicated volunteer at Mount Carmel West Hospital for 25 years. Claire was also a longtime and active member of St. Aloysius Catholic Church and Women’s Guild. She will be remembered by her grandchildren as the one who shared fresh baked cookies, spumoni ice cream and watched “Lady and the Tramp.” Claire lovingly offered them loans in Monopoly, so they could win the game. She lovingly accepted the nickname “Buggie” from her oldest grandchildren. Claire was blessed with two lifelong friends and travel partners, Mary Jayne Unger and Rita Branco. Together, they were known as the Three Musketeers. After Lee retired from Big Bear, Claire and Lee loved spending time in Ormond Beach, Florida. She floated in the pool, walked on the beach and wriggled her toes in the sand. Claire never met a stranger. She was loved by residents and staff at Taylor Springs.
Claire is preceded in death by her husband Lee; parents, Harold and Hilda (Graber) Gillivan; brother, John “Jack” Gillivan and sister, Maryann (Gillivan) Eustace. She is survived by her children, Tim (Maribea) Balmert, Mark (Janice) Balmert, Mickey (Darcy Munroe) Balmert and Teri (Don) Hallowell; grandchildren, LeAnne, Steve, Matt, Grant, Jennie, Kristin, Jessie, Andy, Zach, Jake, Luke, Grace and Claire, nine great grandchildren, one great great grandchild and numerous other family and friends. 
Friends may call from 5 to 8 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 19, 2026 at JERRY SPEARS FUNERAL HOME of HILLIARD, 5471 Frazell Road. The funeral mass will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday,Jan. 20, 2026 at St. Aloysius Catholic Church, 2165 W. Broad St. with Father Patrick Toner, Celebrant. Interment at St. Joseph Cemetery will follow the mass. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations be made to the Cure Alzheimer’s Fund, 34 Washington St. Suite 230, Wellesley Hills MA 02481 or online at www.curealz.org

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