Claire Teresa Klink, 94, of Reno, Nevada passed away on May 16, 2026 due to natural causes.

She was born on January 28, 1932 in Brooklyn, NY to her parents, Catherine (Kitty) Turney and Alfred (Al) Peterson. She was joyful at the arrival of her beloved brother, Robert (Bob) Alfred Peterson, in 1939. Claire lived a full and happy life filled with time together with her family and friends, pursuing her passions and interests, and devotion to her Catholic faith.She received her Bachelor of Liberal Arts degree in Education from St. Joseph’s College for Women in 1954 before her first teaching position at Howell Road School in Valley Stream, NY. Thereafter, she enjoyed more than 30 years teaching kindergarten and elementary school.

Claire was a loving wife to Eugene (Gene) Klink, who she met while on summer vacation on Long Island. They spent much time at the beach in Rocky Point, NY, and later married on July 2, 1955 at St. Claire Catholic Church in Rosedale, NY before spending their honeymoon in Bermuda and residing in Holliswood, NY.  They enjoyed over 53 years of a happy marriage together.

A light in this world, Claire was such a nurturing and strong individual, who cared for her son, Greg, through illness, and for Gene as he recovered from lung disease.

She had many interests over the years, with a great love for the water and ocean, including beach going and swimming, as well as travel, reading, planting, sewing, playing bridge, and loving animals.

Claire is survived by her family, including daughter, Marie, and her husband, David Casey; granddaughter  Kathleen Casey, and her partner Sam Rietz; sister in law, Rosemary Peterson; nephew Michael Peterson, and his wife Maria; niece Jill, and her husband Geoff Raker; and their families.

She often wondered why she was on this earth for so many years, and it was no doubt to touch the lives of so many, sharing many happy years making memories with her family before going to the Lord. She also brought love and support to her peers at her senior living home where she shared flowers for mass every Sunday, baked for others, and hosted a few celebrations with her resident friends.

Claire was a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother, sister, friend to all, and a devoted Catholic who will be dearly missed!A funeral mass will be held at Our Lady of the Snows Catholic Church in Reno, NV and Claire will be buried at Memorial Oaks Cemetery in Houston, TX at the family site. Dates and times will be added to this announcement shortly.