M. Claire Travers

On November 13, 1930, Marie Claire Martter was born to Olympian and Ohio State Hall of Fame Wrestler, Perry Martter and Los Angeles socialite, Helen Scully Martter. Raised Catholic, she attended and graduated from Immaculate Heart High School in Hollywood in 1948. In the 40’s and 50’s, Claire enjoyed modeling for tea parties and elite social events before meeting and marrying Frank Travers. Together, they moved to Seattle for their first year, but back to LA after the arrival of their first child. She continued as a homemaker and her quiver soon filled. An adventure arose that led them to the Pacific Northwest in the ‘60’s. Mother of ten, they traveled in style in a 56 Cadillac limousine. Patty was her crowning glory! Claire’s tireless devotion to Patty’s well-being and happiness was evident everyday. The Hidden Harbor Farm in Kootenai became her work, the animals her love. She was the Elegant Pig Farmer. Her love for animals is evident by the years of 4-H support at the Bonner County Fair and represented as Grand Marshal in 2014. She served at the Knights of Columbus booth every year. Claire was humble and delighted in assisting the less fortunate; serving, offering her chair, and taking the back seat to others. She is survived by her children: John (Nancy) McKeon, of Los Angeles; Kathleen (Ralph) Alderman; MaryAnn (Larry) Jeffres, Therese (Ken) Stevens, Monica (Pat) Gunter, John (Lisa), Angus (Krystal) all of Sandpoint, Mike (Belinda) of Fairbanks, AK, Jane (Jim) Corbett, of Republic, WA and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her two brothers, Doug Martter of Atascadero, California and Richard Martter of Dallas, Texas. She is preceded in death by her husband, Frank Travers, and daughter, Patty. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations made to the Claire Travers project at Bonner County Fair Grounds. Please join us in celebration of her life for Mass at 12:00 pm on Saturday March 25 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Sandpoint. Reception following. The family would love to hear memories of their mother. Please come prepared to share and smile.