Marian “Claire” Robinson Salmond, beloved wife of the late William A. “Bill” Salmond, passed away Wednesday, July 31, 2019 at the age of 93, only a month short of her August 29th birthday.
Born in 1925 to Marian and John Q. Robinson in Montclair, N.J., she grew up excelling academically and musically to become a gifted pianist. She began her education at the select College High School, an educational experiment of Montclair State College. This is where she met the love of her life before entering Vassar College, where she earned her B.A. in philosophy and mathematics. Their love for each other was undeterred by the war. Upon Bill’s return, they tied the knot and eloped on October 25, 1947, even before receiving her college degree. Together, they first settled in Upper Montclair, began raising their three girls, and gave back to their community by leading in both the Montclair Junior League and the Community Chest.
They relocated to Bethesda, Md. when Bill began his service with the Veterans Administration. Claire spent years working for the Montgomery County Public Schools as an elementary school teacher and an expert in early childhood curriculum development. A lifelong learner herself, Claire continued her education and received her master’s degree from the University of Maryland and a Ph.D. in early childhood education from George Washington University.
After successful careers, they both retired to the next chapter of their lives on Amelia Island. They continued to share their busy lives and many talents contributing to their new community until Bill passed away January 23, 2015. Claire was a member of her investment club and for a short time presided as president. As longtime members of the Amelia Plantation Chapel, Claire was proud of Bill’s role in the addition and renovation of the Chapel. She was also a member of the Altar Guild and shared her gift with words as the “ace” writer of encouraging messages to friends in need, which accompanied the beautiful flower re-arrangements designed by The Petal Pushers and delivered by none other than The Pedal Pushers.
She leaves behind her three daughters, Elise Elliston and her husband, Robert, of Martha’s Vineyard Island, Mass., Cynthia “Cindy” Hogeman and her life partner, Al Moses, of Hummelstown, Pa., and Margaret “Jackie” Landry and her husband, Bob, of Leominster, Mass.; her brother, Jack Robinson and his life partner, Addie Vogel, of Cranford, N.J.; eight grandchildren, Dagny Elliston of Salem, Mass., Heather Elliston of Falmouth, Mass., and William “Casey” Elliston of Martha’s Vineyard Island, Mass., Kim Hogeman and her partner, Bruce Keith, of Columbia, Pa., Allison Carr and her husband, Ryan, of Plain City, Ohio, Megan Baker and her husband, Logan, of Harrisburg, Pa., Taylor Landry of Leominster, and Jackson Landry of Leominster; four great-grandchildren, Weston, Maddox, and Josephine Carr of Plain City and Oliver Baker of Harrisburg; and her two loving Coton de Tuléar dogs, Lili and Nana.
Services will be at 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, August 21, 2019 at the Amelia Island Plantation Chapel with Reverend Don Edwards officiating.
Memorial contributions may be made to Kenya Partners Mission School (HIV/AIDS orphans), c/o Mrs. Diane Hamerick, 95132 Amalfi Drive, Unit 1C, Amelia Island, FL 32034. Contributions may also be made online at kenyapartners.com.
Please share your memories and condolences at www.oxleyheard.com.
Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors