Claire A. Kimmel, 96, of Bellefonte, passed into the hands of The Lord on Monday, July 1, 2024, in Bellefonte. Born on July 22, 1927, in Mount Carmel, PA, she was the daughter of the late Francis and Veronica Lejmel Krajewski. On June 25, 1949 she married Dr. Merl F. Kimmel, who preceded her in death after they shared 35 years of marriage.
Claire was a graduate of Mount Carmel High School. She attended nursing school at Germantown Hospital and earned a degree as a Registered Nurse. While in nurses training, she met the love of her life, Merl Francis Kimmel, M.D., who was on the medical staff at Germantown hospital. They actually met when Dr. Kimmel – who was an excellent pianist – played the piano when Claire sang for her graduating class of nurses.
Claire was a devout Catholic. She was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church when she lived in Altoona. In 2008, she moved to State College to be closer to her daughter and son-in-law, during which time she attended Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church. Claire was an active volunteer in many community organizations, including serving as a Eucharistic Minister for Sacred Heart Parish in Altoona, serving as a Call for Action volunteer, and serving on the board of Blair County Civic Music. She was a member of The Altoona Women’s Club and The Friends of the Altoona Library. She was proud to have utilized her medical training while serving on the Board of Home Nursing Agency for many years.
Claire is survived by her daughter, Claire Ann Kimmel and husband, Tracey G. Benson of Bellefonte; her son, Merl F. Kimmel II and his wife Rebecca of Drexel Hill; and daughter-in-law, Guihua Kimmel of Pennington, New Jersey. She is also survived by two grandchildren, Granger Kimmel Benson and his wife Erica of Surf City, North Carolina; Cpt. Everett Kimmel Benson and his wife Janelle of Kennett Square; and three great- grandchildren, Madelynn, Sophia, and Emily.
In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by one son, William A. Kimmel and by her siblings: sisters, Helen, Katherine and Edna and brother Francis. She was also preceded in death by her kind and loving companion, William McMinn, with whom she spent time traveling, dancing, going out for dinner and keeping each other company for many years.
The family extends our heartfelt thanks to all of the staff at Juniper, The Inn at Juniper, Juniper Wellspring, Mount Nittany Medical Center, Centre Care, and Grane Hospice for all of the care, attention and kindness shown to the family during Claire’s time here.
There will be a public viewing held on Friday, July 12, 2024, from 9:00am until 10:00 am at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, 134 E. Bishop Street, Bellefonte. Funeral mass will be held immediately following the visitation at 10:00 am, at the church, with Father Brian Saylor officiating. Burial will be private at the convenience of the family.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Claire’s memory to St. John’s Catholic School at 116 E. Bishop Street, Bellefonte, PA 16823. Arrangements are under the direction of Wetzler Funeral Service, Inc. and Victorian Crematory Bellefonte.