Claire Lynam Marburger Obituary (1928 - 2021)

On Sunday, March 14, 2021, Claire Lynam Marburger was called to her Heavenly home. Claire was born October 18, 1928 in Johnstown, PA to Carl and Hilda Mayer. She graduated from Johnstown High School in 1946. She grew up studying dance with Gene Kelly at his Johnstown studio. In 1950, Claire graduated Summa Cum Laude from the University of Pittsburgh where she was active in a theatrical group known as the "Back Alley Stock Players." She played the female lead (Katherine Hepburn's role as Tracy) in "The Philadelphia Story." After graduation, Claire became an English teacher in the Johnstown School District. In 1950, she married her college sweetheart, William James Lynam. He passed away in 1976. Because William was a Lieutenant Commander in the United States Naval Reserve, they often traveled to Norfolk, Virginia for meetings and military functions. During their 25 years of marriage, they had 2 daughters, Lynn and Lori. Mom spent much time at her sewing machine making all of their clothes. She also really enjoyed teaching speech at the Butler County Community College; and, she did some substitute teaching through the Butler Area School District. In 1983, Claire married A. Martin Marburger who passed away in 2011. They were married for 28 years and spent their free time travelling to places like Florida, the Canadian Rockies and National Parks in the Western US. For 14 years, Claire held the position of Treatment Coordinator for the Mascia and Bauer Orthodontic Practice. It was her responsibility to explain and answer questions regarding the treatment plans of future patients. The patients along with the other employees really enjoyed her. She retired in 1991. Over the years, Claire also enjoyed playing bridge, Sunday evening neighborhood volleyball games and other Meadowood social gatherings. She had a love of music and attended many performances by the Butler Symphony, Musical Theater Guild, and Butler Little Theater. She was an active member of the Butler Intermediate League. Claire was also a member of the First United Methodist Church in Butler. In 2019, Claire moved to Cumberland Woods Village in Allison Park where she enjoyed making new friends in an independent living environment. She became known as a "great story teller. " During her lifetime, Mom spoke often about the importance of laughter. She said it was good for the soul. Claire's family and friends will always remember her sense of humor and quick wit. Surviving are her daughters, Lynn (Jay) Shaffer, Butler, and Lori (Greg) Wilson, Pittsburgh; three grandchildren, Bradley Shaffer, Lindsey (Brad) Spang, and Bethany Wilson; three great grandchildren, Boden Spang, and twins, Zeke and Tess Spang. We loved her dearly, and she loved all of us. There will be no public visitation. Funeral services are private with burial in Johnstown, PA. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial donations to the Butler Public Library, 218 North McKain St, Butler, PA 16001. Arrangements were handled by the Thompson-Miller Funeral Home, 124 East North Street, Butler, PA 16001.