Clara (Claire) B. Dean

Clara (Claire) B. Dean passed away Wed., Jan. 23, 2019 in Thousand Oaks, CA.

She was born March 17, 1934 in Lebanon, MO to Geneva Jones Spitz and Art Spitz. God bestowed upon Claire a lovely gift, that of music. She began playing piano at the age of seven, and was soon playing in church. This was the beginning of Claire's lifetime as an accomplished pianist, performing in a variety of venues.

In 1942, the family moved to Chula Vista, CA. Claire graduated in 1952 from Chula Vista High School. That same year she married Charles Wilson, of Center, TX.

In 1967, Claire moved to Thousand Oaks. She was employed at Moorpark College and soon opened a Merle Norman Cosmetics Studio in Camarillo, one of her proudest accomplishments. Later she was employed by Lockheed, from which she retired in 1996.

After retirement, she began playing piano professionally for Fabrizio's and Bella Luna restaurants and various local retirement facilities. She was well known in the community for her uncanny ability to play everyone's favorite request. She then played the piano for the Christian Church of Thousand Oaks's early morning service for several years.

Claire was the most kind, beautiful and elegant of women; blessed of the sweetest nature and gifted with a wonderful sense of humor. She loved to sing, dance, play the piano for impromptu events, cook and became a master at entertaining with dinner parties. At her heart, however, was her love of the Lord, always a source of strength.

She is survived by her daughter Linda Wilson, of Thousand Oaks, and her grandson, Miguel Wilson, of Newbury Park.

Visitation will be Wed., Jan. 30, 2019 from 12-4pm at Conejo Mountain Funeral Home. Private burial will be at Conejo Mountain Memorial Park. A Celebration of Life service will be held on Sat., Feb. 2 at 11am at Christian Church of Thousand Oaks, 301 W. Avenida de las Flores, Thousand Oaks, (805) 492-2474.

...Family in the care of Erin Arteaga, Funeral Director