Claire Ruth (Machabee) Young went on to dance and sing with our Lord on 12 January 2023 while surrounded by her family at her home in Virginia Beach, VA. Claire was born on 24 May 1922 in Worcester, MA, to George and Bernadette Machabee. She grew up with two sisters, Shirley and Barbara. She served as a Navy nurse (LT), which is how she met her loving husband Edward B. Young, CAPT USN (Ret.), while both were serving in Bermuda.
Claire was an Artist and adventurer, pursuing and enjoying skiing, scuba diving, golf, and sailing with a general love of nature and the world around her. Her love for music and dancing (especially Tap) is at the center of every family memory and story. Her passion for the piano and the ukulele is one of her legacies embraced by her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
Claire loved her church, and served her Lord faithfully and with joy. More than all, her family was her greatest passion, trading her love for the Navy to raise her family. Claire is survived by her loving and devoted husband of 65 years, Edward, who has faithfully provided her with the sounds of her favorite Big Band artists and steady doses of her beloved John Wayne movies in her final years. Her legacy continues through her children David E. Young (Jennifer), Amy Lee M. (Young) Locklear (Shawn), and Stephen A. Portier-Young (Thea). Her blessings also include 7 grandchildren: Matthew, Ben, Christina, Adam, Aaron, Eric, and Sebastian. Her joy continues through her 4 great-grandchildren: Emma Joy, Caleb, Asaph, and Oliver. Her “extra” children include her many nieces and nephews: Cheryl, Patti, Judy, Michael, Gail, Jeffrey, and Timmy.
A visitation celebration of Claire’s amazing adventures of 100 years will be held from 2-4 PM on Sunday, 22 Jan 2023 at Altmeyer Funeral Home Southside Chapel, 5033 Rouse Dr., Virginia Beach. A Requiem Mass will be held at 10 AM on Monday, 23 January 2023, at St. Gregory the Great Catholic Church, 5345 Virginia Beach Blvd., Virginia Beach. Graveside services with Military Honors will be held on Saturday 28 January 2023 at 2 PM at Raleigh Memorial Park, 7501 Glenwood Ave., Raleigh, NC.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in her honor be made to: the Virginia Society for Human Life, American Life League, Christendom College in Front Royal Virginia, or the Alzheimer’s Association for research and caregiving support. Arrangements are entrusted to Altmeyer Funeral Home – Southside Chapel. Condolences may be left for the family below.
I’m having a difficult time with your loss, mom. Guess I’ve never been prepared to lose a parent; figured I was supposed to head home first.
Jen was magnificent with you, during your final three days. Few left your side (Jen was up 48 hours); certainly dad was always right by you.
Your life was beautifully full, mom. That’s why so many of us are struggling to let go. But we know where you are. As Paul and John, the author of Revelation, make clear. You’re fully at peace now, and we’ll meet again at the last resurrection.
You ran a perfect race, mom. I can almost hear Christ welcoming you with “Well done, My good and faithful servant”. I’ll miss you long time, mom. But you know that.
It will take a while for me to grieve your departure. Your first-born son, who has always been emotionally strong, is not so strong right now. But Jen is right beside me, as she was with you as our Lord came to receive you.
Be well mom. Always know how much I love you. And as Steve said today at your Eulogy, “Mahalo, Mom”.
The best way to honor anyone, especially a Shipmate, is to remember them and their family. We are all family.
My heartfelt condolences to all of the Young family. My thoughts and prayers are with everyone. While I didn’t know Claire very well, I heard great amazing things about her and her wonderful spirit and her love of family. Her legacy lives on in her grandsons and great grandchildren.
I am truly sorry to hear of your loss, Mr. Young. The obit is a beautiful tribute to a life well lived and I wish I could have met this wonderful woman.
My sincerest condolences to Mr Young and family on your loss.
What an amazing person Claire was. I never met her but worked with her husband for many years and felt like I knew her through Ed. My love and condolences to Ed and family on the loss of a wonderful person. 65 years is a lifetime of love.
Our sympathy to you, Ed, and your family. I believe Claire is now whole in the presence of Jesus, our Lord and Savior. May all of you feel God’s presence and comfort in your hearts in the difficult days ahead. I am grateful for her service to our country, her love for you, Ed, and the wonderful memories she leaves behind for her family.
Nancy and Barry Pearce
Winston Salem, NC
We are so sorry for the passing of Claire. This is long Cheryl’s long time friend Gwennie. I remember meeting Claire and Ed and some family members over the years. It was our pleasure. Peace and love.
Gwennie, Greg
Claire was truly an inspiration with her ‘joie de vivre’, love of nature and most importantly, love of family.
Her laugh, sparkle in her youthful eyes and music talent always made me smile and thankful for having been a small part of her life.
She will surely be missed, having left a very warm spot in my heart, always to remain.
Heartfelt condolences to the entire family
Marianne Dubresson
Our love, thoughts and prayers are with you all. We are saddened by your loss and will hold you all close in our hearts. My mother Penny so enjoyed sharing their nursing experiences when they met at Christina and Josh’s wedding. We will be with you in thought and prayer.
Mark and Rebecca Mattison and
Penny Lorenz